XCOM: Enemy Unknown will feature deathmatch multiplayer

Publisher 2K Games has announced that XCOM: Enemy Unknown will contain a one-on-one deathmatch multiplayer mode.

The announcement marks the first time that a deathmatch component will be included in an installment of the popular RTS series.

Multiplayer will still retain the turn-based style of the single-player campaign, with a focus on strategy and tactics. Players will be able to craft their own squad of soldiers and/or aliens, and will each receive 10,000 points at the beginning of each match to spend on various units and inventories. From there, combatants will have 90 seconds to make their next move.

The mode is being kept as a standalone experience outside of the XCOM canon.

"Throughout the history of the XCOM series, players have acted as the world’s last hope against the alien invasion," said lead designer Jake Solomon. "With the multiplayer mode in XCOM: Enemy Unknown, gamers can finally find out what it’s like to command alien units and unleash extraterrestrial destruction on Planet Earth or defend it with a squad of XCOM soldiers and alien allies."

XCOM: Enemy Unknown will release for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC on October 9 in North America, and on October 12 in Europe.