Following a period of significant financial strain that resulted in the majority of its staff being placed on unpaid leave just weeks before the release of Star Wars: Zero Company, Bit Reactor is now welcoming back developers who were previously furloughed.
In an official statement released today, CEO Greg Foertsch revealed that the studio has started reinstating team members. According to Foertsch, additional developers have been invited to return, signifying “an important step forward” as Bit Reactor continues to support the recent launch of Star Wars: Zero Company. He shared his appreciation for the enthusiastic reception from fans and commended the team’s accomplishments.
Studio Endured Setbacks Prior to Game’s Strong Debut
Bit Reactor’s announcement follows a difficult chapter for the company. Just ahead of Star Wars: Zero Company’s launch, reports confirmed that around 80% of staff had been furloughed, resulting in most employees losing both pay and benefits. These drastic measures were taken due to a critical shortage of funds, an issue aggravated by internal conflict—a legal dispute involving co-founders Alison Kelly and Greg Foertsch. This confrontation ultimately left Foertsch as the sole owner of Bit Reactor.
The studio managed to release Star Wars: Zero Company despite having a reduced workforce, and the game achieved immediate success—quickly surpassing one million units sold. Critics lauded the game for successfully merging XCOM-style tactical combat with the Star Wars universe. In sharing his reflections, Foertsch noted that furloughing staff was a difficult but necessary action, claiming it made it possible for more employees to potentially return in the future. He thanked players for their continued support during these challenges and assured the community that more updates are in the pipeline for both the game and the studio.
Workforce is Rejoining, although Not All are Back
While Bit Reactor has not specified exactly how many team members have returned so far, Game File reports, citing an anonymous source, that more than half of the studio’s original employees are now back at work. However, a notable number of developers remain on furlough, and uncertainty persists for those still waiting to be reinstated.
The overwhelming support from both the Star Wars community and gaming fans has been instrumental for the company in navigating through these turbulent times. Bit Reactor attributes their ability to resume and expand operations, as well as maintain ongoing support for Zero Company, to the game’s sales success and devoted player base.
As Bit Reactor moves forward, aiming to rebuild and reunite its staff after facing considerable financial and legal setbacks, the outlook appears increasingly hopeful. The leadership has promised to keep fans updated and continues to work towards bringing the remaining furloughed team members back on board as soon as circumstances allow.