Star Wars: Zero Company Sells Well, But Bit Reactor Furloughs 80% of Staff

Key points

• Bit Reactor furloughed roughly 80% of its employees, leaving a minimal team to manage bug fixes and updates for Star Wars: Zero Company.
• The studio confirmed the furloughs were a financial necessity, stating they ran out of funds before the game’s release, and emphasized that the decision was independent of publisher Electronic Arts or Disney.
• The furloughs were confirmed by an August 12 court filing in a lawsuit filed by co-founder Alison Kelly, who is seeking over $20 million in damages from co-founder Greg Foertsch.
• Former employee Zachariah Scott publicly criticized the studio for concealing the furloughs while marketing the game’s success, noting that current staff are doubtful about returning to work even if sales are strong.
• Star Wars: Zero Company received an 8.5/10 review from Wccftech and an 85 Metacritic score, with critics praising its tactical combat and narrative despite the studio’s internal turmoil.

Background

Bit Reactor, founded in 2021, has faced significant internal instability. Our archive indicates that the studio’s financial struggles and legal battles have been ongoing, with previous coverage highlighting the tension between co-founders Alison Kelly and Greg Foertsch. The current furloughs are the latest manifestation of these long-standing issues, occurring just as the studio’s first major title, Star Wars: Zero Company, achieved commercial success.

How outlets are covering it

Wccftech and Console Creatures both highlight the stark contrast between the game’s critical success and the studio’s financial crisis. Wccftech notes that the furloughs were a 'difficult decision' made by Bit Reactor, while Console Creatures emphasizes that the studio is now relying on a 'skeleton crew' to maintain the game. Wolfs Gaming Blog provides a more detailed breakdown of the headcount, estimating that 72 to 80 people were furloughed based on third-party estimates of the studio’s size. All three sources agree that the furloughs were not mandated by Electronic Arts or Disney, but rather a self-imposed measure by Bit Reactor to survive. The sources also note that the furloughs were confirmed by court filings in the ongoing lawsuit between Kelly and Foertsch, which is now set for trial in early 2027.

Why it matters

The situation at Bit Reactor highlights the precarious financial realities facing many game studios, even when their products are commercially successful. The furloughs raise questions about the long-term viability of the studio and the future of Star Wars: Zero Company, as well as the potential impact on the broader gaming industry. The legal dispute between Kelly and Foertsch adds another layer of uncertainty, as it could affect the studio’s ownership and future direction. This case also underscores the importance of transparent communication between developers and their employees, as the furloughs were initially concealed from the public.

What to watch

Bit Reactor has stated that it hopes to bring furloughed staff back if Star Wars: Zero Company performs well commercially. However, current and former employees are skeptical about this possibility. The lawsuit between Kelly and Foertsch is set for trial in early 2027, which could have significant implications for the studio’s ownership and future. The long-term success of Star Wars: Zero Company will likely determine whether Bit Reactor can recover from its financial crisis and continue to develop new games.