As leaks and rumors regarding E3 2021 swirl ahead of the upcoming event, it’sMarvelof all companies coming out strong. Not only are there rumors about aGuardians of the Galaxygame from Eidos Montreal being announced, butMarvel’s AvengersBlack Panther expansion will also be shown during Square Enix’s press conference.Marvelfans can also add a third project to the list. A new leak claims thatXCOMdeveloper Firaxis is planning to reveal a new Marvel strategy game.
The leak comes from Reddit’s increasingly infamous GamingLeaksAndRumours subreddit. An unverified source shares a list of potential2K reveals for E3, but warns readers to take the leak with “the hugest grain of salt.” In this list is a “New Firaxis Game” listed as Codename CODA. This game is based on Marvel’s IP and will be a turn-based action game. It’s further described as “XCOMmeets Marvel heroes.” Additionally, the leak mentions that the project is bringing in certain “famous actors” for voicework.
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With the leaker themself stating that their leak is unreliable, some might be quick to dismiss it. However, Bloomberg reporter and industry insider Jason Schreier added fuel to the fire by responding to a Twitter follower who linked the leak. Schreier doesn’t outright confirm the leak, but says, “Yeah I was wondering if people would notice this leak.” Calling attention to the2K Marvel/XCOMleakmeans it deserves an extra look, at the least.
Firaxis did release amajorXCOM 2expansion in 2020, which is very recent. However,XCOM 2itself was released in 2016, which gives it more than enough time to develop a new game. In other words, there’s no reason not to believe that Firaxis could have a newXCOMorXCOM-related game ready to be announced as soon as E3. 2K isn’t necessarily associated with licensed Marvel games, but Marvel’s newfound willingness to work with new partners makes that less of an issue.
It’s also very easy to see Marvel’s IP being built into anXCOM-style game.Marvel’s superheroesall have their own unique abilities and skills, which could be easily turned into a tactical experience where players create a team of superheroes to complete various missions. SomeXCOMideas, like permadeath, may not fit, butMario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battleshows that even high-difficulty tactical games can be approachable.
Without an official announcement, this leak should absolutely be considered unverified. Marvel andXCOMfans won’t have to wait long to find out the truth, however. 2K is expected to have a press conference duringE3 2021, though a date and time have yet to be revealed. Expect more information in the days to come.
AMarvel/XCOMis currently rumored to be in development.
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