Bit Reactor Furloughed Most Staff Weeks Before Zero Company Launch

Bit Reactor, the studio behind the recently released tactics game Star Wars Zero Company, furloughed a significant portion of its staff in the weeks leading up to launch after reportedly running out of money, with one source putting the figure at around 80% of the team.

What Happened at Bit Reactor

According to GamesRadar, the furloughs were reported by Game File and took place mere weeks before Zero Company hit shelves. While the exact headcount affected has not been confirmed officially, one source described the studio operating with a skeleton crew in the lead-up to release. A Bit Reactor representative confirmed the furloughs to Game File but declined to share specifics, stating the decision came from the studio itself and not from publisher EA or licensor Disney.

Former studio artist Zachariah Scott went public on LinkedIn shortly after the game launched, accusing management of concealing the fact that the furloughs had already taken place. Scott also told Game File that many employees he had spoken with were not confident the full team would be brought back, regardless of how well the game sells.

Legal Troubles Add to the Pressure

The furlough news arrives against a backdrop of ongoing legal conflict at Bit Reactor. Alison Kelly, identified as a co-founder of the studio, referenced the furloughs in a court filing dated August 12. Kelly has been involved in a lawsuit against the company since 2024, alleging she was pushed out before her departure that year and seeking $20 million in damages. Co-founder Greg Foertsch has filed a counterclaim arguing she was never a co-owner, and has also made statements about her performance, which Kelly disputes. The case remains unresolved.

Early Sales Are Strong, But Questions Remain

Despite the turbulence behind the scenes, Star Wars Zero Company has launched to a positive reception. As reported by GamesRadar, the game holds an 85 on Metacritic and reached the third spot on Steam’s top-sellers chart following release. Foertsch was also discussing future plans for the franchise during interviews at Gamescom 2026. The Bit Reactor representative indicated that strong sales could lead to furloughed staff being brought back, though no timeline or guarantees were offered. Zero Company is the studio’s first game, and how Bit Reactor navigates this period will likely define its future as a developer.

Sources: GamesRadar