Leaked Star Wars Strategy Game Screens Reveal XCOM-Inspired Tactical Combat

Leaked Star Wars Strategy Game Screens Reveal XCOM-Inspired Tactical Combat

Early development screenshots from an upcoming Star Wars strategy game – developed by Bit Reactor in collaboration with Respawn and Electronic Arts – have surfaced online, giving fans their first glimpse of what looks like a turn-based tactics adventure reminiscent of XCOM.

Back in 2022, EA and Lucasfilm made waves by announcing three new Star Wars projects: the now-released Jedi: Survivor, a first-person shooter that was later canceled, and a mystery strategy title developed by Bit Reactor, a new studio formed by XCOM veterans. Fast forward to 2025, and while the strategy game has remained under wraps, newly leaked images offer the clearest look yet at what’s brewing behind the scenes.

Project Bruno: A Tactical Take on Star Wars

The screenshots, originally uncovered by MP1st, were posted by a Bit Reactor artist in their online portfolio. Internally, the game appears to be codenamed Star Wars Bruno. Though the images are dated from 2023, they shed considerable light on the game’s mechanics and design direction.

From what’s shown, Project Bruno borrows heavily from XCOM’s tactical DNA. In one image, Bo-Katan is seen crouching behind cover, aiming at a foe, complete with the classic “hit percentage” UI element above the enemy’s head. Another screenshot reveals two characters entering “Overwatch” mode, a term familiar to XCOM fans where units reactively fire on enemies moving within their line of sight.

While it’s possible that the game has evolved significantly in the two years since those screenshots were taken, the foundation appears clear: a strategic, turn-based Star Wars experience with deep combat systems.

From the Minds Behind XCOM

What adds credibility to the tactical direction of Project Bruno is the pedigree of Bit Reactor itself. The studio was founded by a former XCOM developer and staffed with more than a dozen veterans from Firaxis – the team responsible for modernizing the XCOM franchise. So it’s no surprise their debut Star Wars title echoes the same genre that made them famous.

And honestly? That’s exciting. With so many Star Wars games defaulting to third-person action or first-person shooter formats, a fresh take rooted in turn-based strategy could be exactly what the galaxy needs.

Whether Bruno has transformed since these early builds or remains true to its tactical roots, one thing’s certain: strategy fans should keep a close eye on this one.