Bit Reactor furloughs 80% of staff ahead of Star Wars Zero Company launch

Despite the critical and commercial success of the tactical RPG Star Wars Zero Company, developer Bit Reactor reportedly furloughed approximately 80% of its staff just weeks before the game's launch. Reports from Game File indicate the studio ran out of funds, leaving only a skeleton crew to handle post-launch support and bug fixes.

Former senior technical artist Zachariah Scott alleged that the studio attempted to conceal the scale of the furloughs from the public. While Bit Reactor confirmed the decision was made internally due to financial strain, the studio emphasized that the move was not directed by publisher Electronic Arts or rights holder Disney.

In addition to the staffing crisis, Bit Reactor is facing legal challenges. Co-founder Alison Kelly has filed a lawsuit against the company, claiming she was pushed out of her role as a co-owner. The studio's financial situation remains uncertain, despite previous reports of a $50 million funding agreement with Electronic Arts in 2021.