Bit Reactor, the studio behind the acclaimed Star Wars strategy game Zero Company, has stated its intention to rehire as many developers as possible who were recently furloughed. The studio described the furloughs as a difficult decision necessitated by "unexpected business developments outside of our control" that occurred shortly before the game's launch.
In a statement, Bit Reactor expressed gratitude for the team's accomplishments and the positive reception of the game. "Having to ask team members to step away... was an incredibly difficult decision, but one that was necessary to help us eventually bring as many people back as possible," the studio said. "This team means a tremendous amount to me, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together."
Following the game's critical and commercial success, with data firm Alinea Analytics estimating sales have surpassed 1 million copies, the studio's headcount has reportedly returned to over half of its pre-launch numbers. This indicates that a significant portion of the furloughed staff have returned to full-time work, though not all have yet.
While the specific nature of the "unexpected business developments" remains unclear, Bit Reactor and its cofounder Greg Foertsch are currently involved in a legal dispute with the former chief finance officer, Alison Kelly. This lawsuit is ongoing and is not expected to be resolved until at least 2027. Fans of Star Wars Zero Company, which has been praised as both an excellent XCOM-like title and a strong Star Wars game, are eagerly awaiting news regarding potential DLC or a sequel.