A significant portion of the development team at Bit Reactor, the studio responsible for the recently released tactics game Star Wars Zero Company, was furloughed weeks before the game's launch, according to a report from Game File. Furloughed employees are placed on temporary leave with reduced or no pay, a measure often enacted when a company faces severe financial constraints and cannot meet payroll.
Bit Reactor confirmed the furloughs to Game File, stating the decision was made independently by the studio and was not influenced by publisher EA or Lucasfilm. The studio expressed hope that furloughed staff would be rehired and their pay restored following a successful launch for Star Wars Zero Company, suggesting the studio ran out of funds before generating revenue from the game.
Formed by developers who previously worked at Firaxis Games, the studio behind the XCOM series, Bit Reactor was collaborating with EA's Respawn Entertainment, known for Star Wars Jedi and Apex Legends, on Star Wars Zero Company.
Further financial difficulties at Bit Reactor were brought to light through a lawsuit filed on August 12, which indicated that "most" employees were furloughed and contractors had been terminated. Sources cited by Game File claim that as many as 80% of the development team was affected, leaving only a minimal crew to support the game's release.
The lawsuit itself stems from a dispute between Bit Reactor's co-founders, Alison Kelly and Greg Foertsch. Kelly, who claims co-ownership of the studio, alleges she was forced out and is seeking $20 million in damages, while Foertsch asserts he is the sole owner. Despite these internal conflicts, Star Wars Zero Company has been met with positive critical reception, earning its place as one of the best-reviewed Star Wars games in recent years.