Report: Star Wars Zero Company developer Bit Reactor lays off an unspecified number of staff

Bit Reactor, the studio behind the Star Wars tactical title Zero Company, has reportedly implemented layoffs after a period of restructuring. The developer had previously furloughed most of its staff ahead of the game’s launch and later rehired some workers in October. Recent LinkedIn posts from affected developers suggest additional layoffs have occurred, though the exact number remains undisclosed.

Reports from the Star Wars news site Bespin Bulletin indicate these layoffs may be the final phase of the August furlough process. The outlet clarified that no employees brought back in October were among those let go. Bit Reactor was established in 2022 by former Firaxis art director Greg Foertsch, drawing talent from the XCOM series for Zero Company’s development.

Sales data for Zero Company has not been publicly released, as publisher Electronic Arts has been taken private. However, analysis firm Alinea Analytics estimates the game sold approximately one million copies by late September. Despite the layoffs, the game received a 1.2 update after some staff were rehired, though further details about its future remain scarce.

GameDeveloper.com attempted to contact Bit Reactor for comment but received no response by publication time. The studio’s current operational status and long-term plans for Zero Company remain unclear following the reported layoffs.