XCOM

XCOM is a video game franchise that centers on a multinational defense organization tasked with defending Earth from extraterrestrial threats. The series began in the 1990s with MicroProse's X-COM games, and later continued under Firaxis Games with reimaginings of the core concept. The name X-COM is used in-universe to denote the organization responsible for countering alien incursions, and in practice it also identifies the long-running collection of strategy and tactics titles.

The original line includes X-COM: UFO Defense (1994), known in some regions as UFO Defense. It combines a global strategy layer—where players manage bases, conduct research, manufacture equipment, and coordinate operations—with turn-based tactical combat played on grid-based maps. The goal is to repel alien invasions, reduce panic, and uncover alien technology. Several subsequent 1990s titles expanded or varied the formula, including X-COM: Terror from the Deep (1995), X-COM: Apocalypse (1997), X-COM: Interceptor (1998), and X-COM: Enforcer (2001), which shifted focus between strategy, space combat, and action gameplay.

Firaxis Games revived the series with XCOM: Unknown Enemy (2012), a modernized reimagining that preserved core mechanics while updating systems and presentation. Its expansion, XCOM: Enemy Within (2013), added new soldier abilities and technology. XCOM 2 (2016) continues the story after Earth has fallen under alien control, with the War of the Chosen expansion (2017) enhancing campaigns and enemy variety. A standalone spinoff, XCOM: Chimera Squad (2020), offered a more tightly scoped, squad-focused experience. The franchise is renowned for its challenging tactical combat and deep strategic layer.