Bit Reactor Furloughs 80% of Staff Before Star Wars Launch

Maryland-based developer Bit Reactor furloughed approximately 80% of its staff and terminated contractors roughly three weeks before the August 27, 2026, launch of Star Wars Zero Company. The studio reportedly ran out of funds just before the release, leaving only a skeleton crew to manage post-launch bugs for the title on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5. A company representative described the move as a "difficult decision" and clarified that publisher Electronic Arts and license holder Disney were not involved in the process.

Despite the internal financial crisis, Star Wars Zero Company has received critical acclaim and became a top-selling title on Steam. However, former employees, including senior technical artist Zachariah Scott, allege the studio concealed the furloughs from the public and cut off profit sharing.

The studio is also facing a legal battle between co-founders Greg Foertsch and Alison Kelly. Kelly, the former COO, filed a lawsuit in Baltimore County seeking over $20 million in damages for breach of contract and unjust enrichment, alleging she was pushed out of the company. Foertsch disputes these claims, maintaining he is the sole owner of the studio. The trial has been postponed until early 2027.