Bit Reactor has begun bringing furloughed developers back to work on Star Wars: Zero Company, tying the staffing move to continued support for the game. The studio has not said how many people have returned, leaving the scale of the change unclear.
Weeks before launch, the studio reportedly furloughed around 80% of its workforce, with most staff placed on leave without pay or benefits. Game File reported that more than half of Bit Reactor’s overall headcount is now back on payroll, but some workers reportedly remain in limbo. The staffing cuts occurred before the game’s launch.
CEO Greg Foertsch announced the return process in an online statement dated October 7, describing it as an important step in the studio’s ongoing support for Zero Company. He also cited unexpected business developments outside the studio’s control as a factor in the furlough decision, without offering further details.
Zero Company quickly sold more than one million copies and received a strong response, according to the report. The return of some developers restores support capacity, but without a headcount update, the status of those still furloughed remains uncertain. The game received a strong response, while staffing cuts remain part of the wider games-industry picture, as seen in Supermassive Games’ second round of layoffs.
