The Studio Behind Hit New Star Wars Game Zero Company Quietly Furloughed 'Most' Staff Just Before Launch

Bit Reactor, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Star Wars Zero Company video game, quietly furloughed the vast majority of its staff just prior to the game's launch. This decision has cast a shadow over the game's successful debut on Steam, as Game File has reported that Zachariah Scott, a former Bit Reactor employee, claims the company concealed the furlough weeks prior to announcing it.

The studio's CEO, Greg Foertsch, was seen discussing future projects at the Gamescom event while the staff lay idle. While Bit Reactor has acknowledged that a significant portion of its team is currently on furlough leave without pay, the exact number of affected employees remains undisclosed. It is believed that the studio ran out of funds to pay its workforce shortly before the game's release, despite efforts to reduce costs and secure another game deal.

The situation has been further complicated by a legal dispute between Bit Reactor's former COO, Alison Kelly, and Foertsch, with Kelly alleging she was dismissed without compensation. Foertsch denies these claims and has countersued. The Star Wars Zero Company game, praised for its cinematic visuals and non-Force focused storyline, has managed to launch successfully despite the turmoil surrounding its creators.

However, it remains uncertain whether the game's commercial success will be sufficient to restore employment for the studio's furloughed staff.