Bit Reactor, the studio behind the recently released Star Wars Zero Company, has reportedly furloughed a significant portion of its staff. According to a report by Game File, up to 80 percent of employees were placed on unpaid leave in the period preceding the game's launch. While these employees remain technically employed, they are currently not receiving wages.
A representative from Bit Reactor confirmed the furloughs to Game File but did not specify the exact number of employees affected. The company cited uncertainty surrounding the RPG's launch performance as the reason for the decision, emphasizing that it was an internal choice and not influenced by EA or Disney.
This news comes despite Star Wars Zero Company receiving widespread critical acclaim. Reviewers have praised the tactical RPG, with some calling it a standout entry in the Star Wars gaming universe and a strong debut for Bit Reactor. The game has also achieved commercial success, currently holding the top-selling position on Steam, in addition to its releases on PS5 and Xbox consoles.
Details of the furloughs emerged through former staff, including Zachariah Scott, who was previously let go by the studio. Scott expressed dismay on LinkedIn, noting the contrast between positive public statements about the game's success from EA, Disney, and Bit Reactor's senior staff, and the alleged concealment of the staff furloughs. He described the situation as a common but troubling occurrence in the industry, where a successful game launch does not necessarily translate to financial security for the development team.
Bit Reactor has indicated a hope to bring furloughed workers back with full pay, suggesting a desire to mitigate the immediate impact on staff. The situation highlights the precarious financial conditions that can exist within the games industry, even for studios behind highly successful and critically lauded titles published by major companies.