Bit Reactor Begins Reinstating Staff After Star Wars Zero Company Success

Key points

• Bit Reactor CEO Greg Foertsch announced that the studio is reinstating 'more' of its team this week.
• The studio previously furloughed approximately 80% of its staff in the weeks leading up to the game's launch.
• Sources indicate that over half of the pre-furlough headcount has now returned to full-time work.
• The game, developed with Respawn and published by EA, has sold over one million copies.
• The studio cited 'unexpected business developments' as the reason for the initial furloughs.

Background

In early September 2026, Bit Reactor furloughed the majority of its workforce just before Star Wars Zero Company launched. This occurred amid a legal dispute between co-founder Greg Foertsch and former CFO Alison Kelly. Despite the staff reductions, the game performed well commercially, remaining a top seller on Steam.

How outlets are covering it

Kotaku and Game File both report that the studio is bringing back staff, with Game File specifying that over half the original team has returned. Game Developer notes that while some employees are back, many remain unpaid, and questions remain about profit-sharing for those furloughed. GamesIndustry.biz confirms the partial return but highlights that the studio has not disclosed exact numbers. All outlets agree that the game's commercial success, with over one million copies sold, is the primary driver for this reversal.

Why it matters

This situation highlights the financial risks faced by independent studios working with major publishers like EA. It also raises questions about employee protections during furloughs, as the lack of transparency regarding the initial cuts and the partial nature of the reinstatement leaves many former staff in uncertain financial situations despite the game's success.

What to watch

Bit Reactor promises to share more updates on the studio's future and the game's roadmap soon. The ongoing legal dispute between Foertsch and Kelly is expected to go to trial in 2027, which may further impact the studio's stability and future projects.