Bit Reactor, the Maryland studio behind Star Wars Zero Company, is bringing furloughed developers back to work following the game’s successful launch, the studio said Wednesday. Some of the staff let go shortly before release have now returned, and headcount has climbed back above half of what it was before the furloughs, according to Game File.
The move marks a reversal for a studio that cut staff at one of the most sensitive moments possible, right before shipping its biggest project to date.
The Details
Bit Reactor furloughed developers in the days leading up to the launch of Star Wars Zero Company, according to Game File. The studio said the decision followed “unexpected business developments outside of our control” and came “so close to launch” that it was especially difficult to make.
“Having to ask team members to step away after we navigated unexpected business developments outside of our control and so close to launch was an incredibly difficult decision, but one that was necessary to help us eventually bring as many people back as possible,” the studio said in its statement, as reported by Kotaku.
Game File reported that the studio’s headcount has now recovered to more than half of its pre-launch level, though the exact number of workers furloughed or rehired has not been specified.
What It Means For Fans And Customers
A stabilized, growing headcount at Bit Reactor is generally a good sign for a studio’s ability to support a game after launch, whether through patches, balance updates or additional content, though the studio has not detailed any such plans.
Context
Star Wars Zero Company, developed in collaboration with Respawn Entertainment and Electronic Arts, is an XCOM-like strategy game that has resonated with players and critics alike. Data firm Alinea Analytics estimated the game has already sold over 1 million copies since launch, demonstrating strong commercial performance despite the pre-release turmoil.
The studio has not detailed the nature of the “unexpected business developments” that led to the furloughs.
What’s Next
Bit Reactor has not announced how many more furloughed employees it expects to rehire or on what timeline. The studio’s Oct. 7 statement frames the rehiring as an ongoing effort, saying the goal from the start was to bring back “as many people as possible.” No further details on the legal dispute or future development plans for Star Wars Zero Company have been released.
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