Bit Reactor temporarily furloughed employees without pay before Star Wars Zero Company launched on August 27, 2026. The studio’s reported concern was how its debut game would perform at launch. On September 1, the studio was reported to hope it could bring affected workers back with restored pay, but available reporting does not confirm whether anyone returned.
What happened at Bit Reactor?
Bit Reactor furloughed employees without pay before the game’s launch, according to the studio confirmation reported by GameDeveloper on September 1, 2026. The report attributed the move to concern about the game’s launch performance. That describes the studio’s stated concern; it does not establish the game’s sales or independently confirm the business cause.
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Bit Reactor is the developer of Star Wars Zero Company, working in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games. Electronic Arts announced the game for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with an August 27, 2026 release date, in its June 5, 2026 announcement.
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GameDeveloper reported two descriptions of the furloughs’ scale: one unnamed source estimated that around 80 percent of the team was affected, while another characterized the remaining active staff as a “skeleton crew.” Neither is an official Bit Reactor headcount, and the latter is a qualitative description rather than a number.
#1 Best Overall
- Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 (disc) includes the full Star Wars Zero Company game. Single-player turn-based tactics set in the twilight of the Clone Wars—lead Hawks and Zero Company in an intense campaign.
- Build your squad from clone troopers, scoundrels, astromechs and even a Jedi—combine abilities and gear in deep Tactical-Strategy combat.
- Plan at your base, adapt on dynamic battlefields and make decisions that shape missions and replayability in this cinematic Star Wars story.
- Customise Hawks and your operatives, tailor loadouts and unlock powerful squad synergies designed for Strategy, Turn-Based and Sci-Fi fans.
Who made the furlough decision?
Shacknews reported on September 1, 2026 that the decision was Bit Reactor’s, rather than an order from publisher EA or Disney. EA’s publishing role and the studio’s development relationship with Lucasfilm Games do not establish that either company directed the staffing decision.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Did Bit Reactor bring the developers back?
Shacknews reported that Bit Reactor hoped to bring affected employees back with restored pay. That was an intention, not confirmation that reinstatements happened. The available reporting does not establish how many employees, if any, returned, or what the studio’s staffing situation became afterward.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- BECOME THE MANDALORIAN: Step into the shoes of the legendary bounty hunter and his allies in this thrilling cooperative board game, featuring The Mandalorian and 7 iconic characters from the hit series!
- EPIC MISSIONS: Embark on exciting adventures inspired by Season 1 of The Mandalorian, where you'll cooperate, battle enemies, and solve dilemmas to complete each mission's objective.
- UNIQUE STRATEGIES: Take on different roles and challenges with each character, as they come with their own deck of cards offering unique abilities and tactics to master.
- EXPANSIVE GAMEPLAY: Explore additional rules, components, and mission types as you progress through the game, including some missions that feature a hidden traitor mechanic for added intrigue!
- IMMERSIVE STAR WARS EXPERIENCE: Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Star Wars like never before, as you and your friends work together to overcome obstacles, fight enemies, and become heroes of the galaxy!
Rank #3
- Command an elite squad through a gritty and authentic Star Wars story set in the twilight of the Clone Wars. Step into the role of Hawks, a former Republic officer leading Zero Company against an emerging threat that could consume the galaxy.
Rank #2
- PC download code for EA app. Single-player turn-based tactics set in the twilight of the Clone Wars—lead Hawks and Zero Company in a gritty Star Wars campaign.
- Deluxe Edition: Unlock Clone Wars–inspired cosmetics including the Republic Officer Uniform, 100th Clone Company Armor Set and ARC Trooper Armor Set.
- Includes the Shadow Collective Cosmetic Pack with the Pyke Helmet Cosmetic, five cosmetic tattoos and five themed weapon set designs.
- Single-player turn-based tactics set in the twilight of the Clone Wars—lead Hawks and Zero Company in a gritty, cinematic Star Wars campaign.
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