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Bit Reactor furloughed "many of its workers" in the weeks before Star Wars Zero Company's launch
GamesIndustry.biz • • technology
Key Points:
- Bit Reactor, developer of Star Wars Zero Company, furloughed approximately 80% of its staff before the game's release due to financial difficulties, leaving a small team to handle post-launch issues.
- The furlough decision was described as difficult and made prior to knowing the game's success, with no influence from publisher Electronic Arts or Disney.
- Despite the financial struggles, Zero Company has been well received and ranks second on Steam's top sellers list, raising hopes of rehiring furloughed workers.
- Former employees and a recent lawsuit by ex-COO Alison Kelly highlight internal disputes over company ownership and management, with Kelly seeking over $20 million in damages alleging wrongful termination.
- Budget constraints during development led to austerity measures, including limited resources for features like lightsaber animations, according to former senior technical artist Zachariah Scott.
