Quantic Dream has stated that Star Wars Eclipse remains on track for development, countering claims from striking staff and reports suggesting the project is at risk of cancellation due to internal issues and layoffs. The studio, known for narrative-driven titles like Detroit: Become Human, recently canceled its live-service game, Spellcasters Chronicles, three months after its early access debut.
This cancellation led to studio layoffs, though the exact number remains undisclosed. However, French publication Gamekult reported that Star Wars Eclipse is experiencing significant challenges, including a "lack of resources, vision, and progress," and could be canceled if developers from the Spellcasters Chronicles team are not reassigned to assist. The report also indicated Quantic Dream was considering laying off 115 employees, approximately a quarter of its workforce, following the Spellcasters Chronicles decision. This prompted a strike by the STJV union outside the studio's Paris headquarters, with striking staff reportedly aiming to safeguard Star Wars Eclipse and prevent its cancellation.
Sources indicate that on the day of the strike, a Lucasfilm delegation was scheduled to visit Quantic Dream to assess Star Wars Eclipse's progress. Striking employees aimed to convey that the project could not be completed if proposed redundancies went through. Gamekult characterized the situation as the company facing a "very painful cancellation, which currently hangs like a sword of Damocles over the employees."
In response to these reports, Quantic Dream issued a statement to IGN, asserting that the Star Wars Eclipse development team possesses all the required resources to complete the game. A spokesperson for Quantic Dream commented, "As previously stated, the development of Star Wars Eclipse remains unaffected by the recent closure of Spellcasters Chronicles, a decision driven by the challenging market conditions in that segment."
The statement continued, "The development of Star Wars Eclipse is continuing as planned, with the full commitment of its team and all the necessary resources to complete its mission." The studio emphasized that its priority is to support affected employees during the ongoing restructuring process and declined further comment out of respect for those involved.
Quantic Dream is currently undergoing a consultation process with employees impacted by the restructuring. The studio's assurances have done little to quell concerns among fans regarding the game's fate or the job security of its developers. The STJV union is seeking an agreement with the studio to mitigate job losses and potentially reallocate staff to assist with Star Wars Eclipse's development.
Star Wars Eclipse was announced in 2021 with a cinematic trailer, promising to blend Quantic Dream's signature story-based gameplay with an action-adventure experience set during the High Republic era. Details about the game remain scarce, and Quantic Dream has repeatedly addressed rumors of development troubles and delays, exacerbated by past workplace allegations and difficulties in hiring. The game currently lacks a release window, even five years after its initial reveal.
Concerns about the studio's future were also raised last year amid reports of parent company NetEase scaling back video game investments. In response, Quantic Dream CEO Guillaume de Fondaumière reassured the public that the Paris and Montreal studios remained unaffected and that projects were progressing at full pace. He also noted that the company had achieved its highest revenue in 2024, partly due to the strong performance of its back catalog, and reiterated NetEase's commitment to providing creative freedom and financial resources.
Despite these assurances, NetEase has reportedly cut funding for other studios, including one led by Toshihiro Nagoshi, resulting in the cancellation of the game Gang of Dragon. The ongoing situation surrounding Star Wars Eclipse and Quantic Dream's internal restructuring continues to be a point of concern for industry observers and fans alike.