Firaxis Games is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a new XCOM project, but it is not the long-awaited XCOM 3. Instead, the studio is partnering with publisher Modiphius to release XCOM: The Miniatures Game, a board game based on 2012's XCOM: Enemy Unknown. No further details have been shared, but Modiphius has experience adapting video games into tabletop experiences, including Fallout and Mass Effect.
A Board Game Instead of a Sequel
While fans have been hoping for a proper sequel to XCOM 2, which launched over a decade ago and received a rare 10/10 rating, Firaxis has opted for a tabletop adaptation. This is not the first XCOM board game; Fantasy Flight Games released XCOM: The Board Game in 2015, which is now out of print and available only second-hand. The new version will emphasize miniatures, distinguishing it from its predecessor.
Steam Sale and Future Plans
Starting April 30, Firaxis will hold a Steam sale featuring significant discounts on its back catalogue, including older XCOM and Civilization titles, as well as the underrated Marvel's Midnight Suns. The studio has not hinted at any new video game announcements, but it is working on the next update for Civilization 7, which launched last year. Given Firaxis's regular release cadence, a new project may be announced in about a year.
Community Celebration
In a blog post, Firaxis thanked its community, stating, 'Firaxis has always been more than just a studio, it’s a community of passionate gamers. Whether you’ve been with us since the last century, or just started your first campaign this year, we are incredibly grateful for your time and your passion. This milestone isn’t just ours, it belongs to all of you. Here’s to 30 years of strategy, and to many, many more turns together.'
For now, fans will have to wait for a true XCOM 3, but the board game and sale offer some consolation.
