Developers at Quantic Dream have staged a strike outside the studio, citing concerns that planned mass layoffs could lead to the cancellation of the highly anticipated Star Wars Eclipse. The action coincided with a reported visit from Lucasfilm representatives tasked with assessing the game's development status. According to reports from Gamekult, striking workers voiced fears that the studio cannot complete the ambitious narrative adventure if the proposed redundancy plan, which would see 115 employees let go, is implemented.
One developer, identified only as Théo, stated that the 115 individuals have been inactive for a month, representing lost production time during which they could have been trained on Star Wars Eclipse's specific tools. The striking employees argue that these individuals are essential and that the project requires more resources, not fewer.
Quantic Dream has maintained that the layoffs primarily affect the team responsible for Spellcasters Chronicles, a multiplayer MOBA that is reportedly preparing for shutdown. However, the striking developers contend that the skills and expertise of the affected staff are transferable and crucial for Star Wars Eclipse. Another developer, Jules, described the strike as an effort to "save Star Wars Eclipse," asserting that the project would benefit from the addition of 115 people, which they do not consider overstaffing but rather a necessary number to adequately staff the game.
This situation arises amidst a prolonged period of minimal public updates on Star Wars Eclipse since its announcement years ago. In contrast, the studio recently released Spellcasters Chronicles. While studio director David Cage stated last fall that development of Star Wars: Eclipse was ongoing and that more information would be shared, some reports suggest the game remains several years away from completion. The developers' strike underscores significant internal anxieties about the project's viability under the current staffing and layoff plans.