Sigma Theory: Global Cold War

Sigma Theory: Global Cold War

Released Nov 2019

A Turn-based Strategy game in a futuristic global cold war from the award-winning creators of Out There. Recruit a squad of special agents and run your intel agency to secure the control of the singularity.

76% positive · 1,382 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence

Where to buy

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Evaluation

Sigma Theory: Global Cold War launched out of Early Access on November 21, 2019. Following its 1.0 release, the developer shipped two paid country expansion DLCs: the Nigeria update (February 19, 2020) and the Brazil update (June 25, 2020), each bundled with a free game update adding new features. At the 1.0 launch, the developer noted they were "already working on the new playable country" — which was fulfilled by the Nigeria DLC in February 2020 and the Brazil DLC in June 2020. All three DLCs listed on the store are released, and no further content has been announced since the Brazil update shipped on June 25, 2020. The developer's subsequent news activity on this game's Steam page has been limited to promotional posts (a discount tied to the October 2022 launch of their other game, Out There: Oceans of Time, and a note about mobile/Switch availability). There have been no roadmaps, no unreleased DLC listings, and no developer statements indicating additional content is planned for Sigma Theory. The last substantive game update was June 25, 2020, and the studio's focus has visibly shifted to Out There: Oceans of Time. With over six years of silence on new Sigma Theory content and all announced DLC shipped, the game is considered content-complete.
Evidence
Brazil update DLC released — the final DLC on the store, completing the announced post-launch content slate.
dlc listing · Jun 25, 2020 source content shipped
high
Developer announced the Brazil DLC (second new playable country post-1.0), releasing June 25, 2020.
news post · Jun 18, 2020 source content shipped
high

Content

3 of 3 released · no outstanding content

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
Goblinz Publishing
Achievements
38
Platform
Windows, macOS, Linux
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Not rated
Players
Single-player

About this game

STORY

From the creators of the award-winning sci-fi game Out There...

In the near future, a paradigm-shifting scientific discovery looms over the world, promising radical new technologies. The world’s superpowers realize they could have the power to destroy the global financial system, wipe out entire countries or even gain access to immortality.

However, this discovery — called “The Sigma Theory” — can only be harnessed by a handful of scientists. You are placed at the head of your country’s Sigma division. Your objective is to ensure that it is your nation that reaps the benefits of Sigma Theory before anyone else.

To achieve this you will have powerful resources at your disposal: a cadre of the world’s most elite covert agents, advanced tactical drones and, of course, your own skills in diplomacy and subterfuge.

It’s a cold war out there, one in which mankind must face up to its future.

THE ULTIMATE ESPIONAGE SIMULATION

Turn-based espionage: Use your special agents to dominate the world. Seduction, blackmail, manipulation, industrial espionage… Every low blow is both permitted and encouraged.
Dynamic narrative: Develop and manage your relations with over 100 NPCs: lobbies, armed groups, politicians… Alliance, deception or assassination, you choose.
Field operations: Direct the kidnapping of your targets during gripping pursuits through the world’s greatest cities. Discretion or direct confrontation, your agent’s life is in your hands.


Recruitment
First, recruit a team of four special agents from 50 unique unlockable characters to support your missions. Each comes with their own story, motivations and traits that define their behavior during missions.
Access the investigator, soldier, hacker, seducer and other archetypes to complete your Sigma division and execute your strategy.


Espionage
When your team is ready, assign them missions around the world to gather scientists, discover compromising documents on local politicians, and more.
Exploit your agents’ abilities to seduce, manipulate and bribe your targets over to your side or have them neutralized.


Counter-espionage
Other nations will also use their agents to infiltrate your country and seize your scientists. Track, capture and interrogate them to gain information on your enemies, then exchange them for ransom when they are no longer useful.


Exfiltration
Order your agents to exfiltrate scientists recruited to your cause during gripping turn-based exfiltration phases through the world’s greatest capitals. Choose the position your drones wisely to support these delicate missions.


Diplomacy
In Sigma Theory, diplomacy is the key to achieving your goals. Meet your foreign counterparts and further your objectives using flattery, threats or blackmail. You can also recover your captured agents, advance your research, and much more. Develop your relations with powerful lobbies and armed and influential groups to obtain their favor. But be careful, they may turn on you.


Tech Tree
Sigma Theory is the cause of this cold war. Rally scientists from around the world to your cause to discover new technologies to gain the edge and change the world. Mind control, destabilization of the world economy, robot soldiers, immortality… Will you keep these discoveries for yourself or share them with the world?

Games that inspired us:

XCom, Phantom Doctrine, Plague Inc, Pandemic (board game), Rocket Ranger, Tropico, Armello, Civilization, curious expedition and so much more
Last evaluated Jun 27, 2026
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