Star Wars Zero Company studio furloughed workers ahead of launch

Chris Kerr,Senior Editor, News,GameDeveloper.com

September 1, 2026

1 Min ReadImage via Bit Reactor

Star Wars Zero Company developer Bit Reactor has confirmed it furloughed a number of workers before the tactical combat title hit shelves on August 27, 2026.

In a statement to Game File, the company said it took the decision to temporarily suspend employees without pay due to concerns over how the title would perform at launch.

One source claimed that around 80 percent of the Bit Reactor team has been furloughed. Another said that only a "skeleton crew" remains on active payroll at the U.S. studio.

On LinkedIn, a former Bit Reactor employee who claims to have been fired "after being involuntarily put on medical leave" and then prevented from sharing those facts with friends and colleagues, suggested the studio has been "trying to keep the team in a holding pattern with good vibes and more empty promises."

Notably, they alleged that furloughed staff members have been "cut off from any possible profit sharing."

A Bit Reactor spokesperson told Game File the company hopes to reinstate furloughed employees and restore their pay if Star Wars Zero Company proves successful.

It's unclear how well the EA-published video game has performed across all platforms, although it remains one of the top-selling titles on Steam (in terms of revenue) at the time of writing.

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About the Author

Chris Kerr

Senior Editor, News, GameDeveloper.com

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton.

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