JOSH HOLLOWAY AND BRANDON ROUTH STAR IN ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE LIVE ACTION PREQUEL

HOUR ZERO shows how three survivors leading back to the first hour of the war set the thrilling story of the game in motion

Lyon, France – 10 September 2026 – Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe today announced HOUR ZERO, a live action prequel to the story in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE™. Starring Josh Holloway (Lost, Yellowstone) and Brandon Routh (Superman Returns), and Tamlyn Tomita (Cobra Kai), the short film series will release in four installments, beginning on 15 September 2026 and concluding ahead of the game’s launch on 2 October 2026.

Watch the HOUR ZERO teaser trailer here: https://youtu.be/93Xb9qvzL4k

HOUR ZERO, the prequel to ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is a short mini-series designed to introduce newcomers to the Ace Combat series and world view.

Three strangers survive the opening days of the Republic of Sotoa's invasion of the Federation of Central Usea. Josh Holloway stars as a pilot with nowhere to land, Brandon Routh as a doctor who saved his enemy, and Tamlyn Tomita as a news anchor silenced for telling the truth. Told in reverse and grounded in the family lives of its three leads, their stories count down to the moment where their normal lives were shattered and war began. Their story sets the stage for the narrative players will experience in the deep, engaging ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE ‘Campaign Mode.’

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE promises to deliver the most cinematic experience yet in the series. The story puts players in the role of an ace pilot in an emotionally charged story of identity and duty, fighting for the survival of their homeland. Returning to the series’ legendary fictitious setting, Strangereal is now a world at war, with the nation Federation of Central Usea (FCU) occupied and its military shattered. With the prospect of war for survival as the only option, players enter the cockpit under the name Wings of Theve, taking on the role of a legendary ace with their name tied to Theve, the capital of the FCU, and becoming the symbol of hope for every citizen in their imperiled nation. Joined by a squadron of three unique new fighter pilots, theirs is a flight against all odds to repel the Republic of Sotoa’s vicious attack and reclaim their lost homeland.

Developed by Bandai Namco Aces Inc., the first mainline entry in ACE COMBAT in seven years promises to elevate the flight shooting franchise to new heights, harnessing the power of Unreal® Engine 5 and proprietary technology to create an ultra-realistic aerial thrill ride. ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE will take to the skies with early access available for Deluxe Edition holders on 29 September 2026 and launch for all players on 2 October. The game is available now for pre-orders on PlayStation®5, XBOX Series X|S, and PC via Steam® in Standard and Deluxe Editions.

For more information on ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE and other titles from Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe please visit: https://www.bandainamcoent.eu. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok or join the conversation on X.

About Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe S.A.S.    

Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe is a leading global publisher, developer, and distributor of entertainment content for platforms including, but not limited to, all major video game consoles and PC.

Producing intellectual property for a global audience, Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe is building its reputation with franchises such as LITTLE NIGHTMARES™, and production capabilities of Reflector Entertainment.  

Based in Lyon, France, Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe is known for bringing many of the entertainment industry’s top franchises such as PAC-MAN™, GUNDAM™, TEKKEN™, ACE COMBAT™, DARK SOULS™, and ELDEN RING™ to EMEA and ANZ markets.

For more information, please visit https://www.bandainamcoent.eu/

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE™& ©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.

CORE IMAGERY – VIEW-READY © 2025 Vantor.

All trademarks and copyrights associated with the manufacturers, aircraft, models, trade names, brands and visual images depicted in this game are the property of their respective owners, and used with such permissions.

Produced under license. BOEING and all Boeing product names, logos, brands, and their distinctive markings and trade dress are trademarks of The Boeing Company.

Copyright Dassault Aviation 2026 ©

Eurofighter Typhoon is one of the leading combat aircraft in the world. Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH.

Produced in cooperation with Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

Lockheed Martin Trademarks used under license to Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.

The Northrop Grumman name, logos, aircraft, and content are trademarks and copyrights of Northrop Grumman.

Copyright SAAB AB

Produced under license. Bell and all Bell product names, logos, brands, and their distinctive markings and trade dress are trademarks of Textron Innovations Inc.

Press Release © 2026 Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe S.A.S.

All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.