Star Wars Zero Company Studio Furloughs Most Staff
Bit Reactor, behind the best-reviewed Star Wars game in 22 years, furloughed the majority of its staff just before launch amid a legal battle.
The update
Bit Reactor, the studio behind the tactical Star Wars game Zero Company, furloughed the majority of its staff just before the game launched on August 27. Reports indicate that up to 80% of the team was placed on leave without pay, leaving behind a skeleton crew to handle post-launch support. The move has drawn criticism from former employees who say the studio concealed the furloughs while celebrating the game’s critical success.
Why it matters
This situation highlights the precarious financial position of many game studios. Despite Zero Company receiving high praise and becoming a bestseller on Steam, Bit Reactor reportedly ran out of funds shortly before release. The furloughs are also tied to a messy legal dispute between the studio’s co-founders, Greg Foertsch and Alison Kelly, which centers on ownership rights and compensation.
What to watch
Whether Bit Reactor can secure the funding to recall furloughed staff and continue operations remains uncertain. The studio has stated that the game’s commercial performance will determine when employees can be brought back. Additionally, the outcome of the co-founders’ lawsuit, which is set for early 2027, could significantly impact the studio’s future.
Sources
- ign.com — Report on furloughs, critical reception, and legal dispute details.
- eurogamer.net — Confirmation of furlough percentage and studio response.
- kotaku.com — Context on the game's critical success and furlough timing.