2K Motivates XCOM Genre Change to Dwindling Popularity of Strategy Titles

2K Games has motivated the major genre change of its XCOM series to the dwindling popularity of strategy games, which just aren't "contemporary," as well as to the growing importance and popularity of first-person titles.

The XCOM franchise gained a large cult following back in the 1990s, when its turn-based strategy gameplay rewarded careful thinking and planning. Now, the series is set to be continued by the 2K Marin studio, but instead of sticking to the strategy roots, it's going to be a first-person shooter.

2K Games boss Christoph Hartmann talked with MCV and motivated this decision on the decrease in popularity of strategy games and the increase of first-person titles, predominantly shooters like Call of Duty or Battlefield.

"The ‘90s generation of gamers all love XCOM and we own the IP, so we thought OK, what do we do with it? Every studio we had wanted to do it and each one had its own spin on it. But the problem was that turn-based strategy games were no longer the hottest thing on planet Earth. But this is not just a commercial thing – strategy games are just not contemporary."

While the first trailers of XCOM showcased a pretty standard shooter, newer videos have emphasized the fact that strategic thinking is still required if players want to have a chance in front of the alien menace that is threatening Earth.

Hartmann highlights the fact that the company is trying to do the franchise justice, but also bring it to the current age with attractive gameplay.

"That’s what we are trying to do. To renew XCOM but in line with what this generation of gamers want. The team behind it is asking themselves every day: ‘Is it true to the values of the franchise?’ It’s not a case of cashing in on the name. We just need to renew it because times are changing."

The new XCOM is set to appear for the PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms on March 9, 2012.