'Star Wars Zero Company' Studio Brings Back Furloughed Devs in Positive Update
Bit Reactor is rehiring most of its furloughed staff for Star Wars Zero Company after an 80% layoff following launch, citing business challenges unrelated to EA or Disney.
Star Wars Zero Company launched to critical acclaim, but its developer, Bit Reactor, furloughed 80% of its staff shortly after release. The studio attributed the layoffs to unexpected business pressures, not its publisher EA or Disney. CEO Greg Foerstch called the decision necessary to eventually bring back as many employees as possible. The move followed a difficult period close to launch, which Foerstch described as an incredibly tough choice.
Bit Reactor confirmed in a post on X that it is now hiring back more of the development team for Zero Company. Foerstch framed the rehiring as an important step forward in continued support for the game. The studio has not detailed how many employees will return or when, but the announcement signals a reversal of the earlier furloughs. Fans and industry observers will await further updates on the studio’s plans.
Legal documents uncovered before Zero Company’s launch revealed deeper issues at Bit Reactor. A lawsuit filed by former COO Alison Kelly claims she is a co-owner of the studio and is owed $20 million in damages. Kelly alleges she was forced out of the company, while CEO Foerstch asserts he is the sole owner. The dispute adds context to the studio’s financial and operational challenges during development.
Zero Company has received only minor updates since launch, including the 1.1 Patch on Sept. 9, which improved performance and addressed gameplay issues. No major expansions or story DLC have been announced, though Foerstch’s statement suggests ongoing support. Meanwhile, fans have taken initiative, with modder Cafiso releasing an unofficial expansion called Aftermath, adding over 1,000 cycles and new content. The game’s development future remains uncertain as Bit Reactor navigates internal and external pressures.