EA Scraps Respawn's Star Wars FPS Game Following Massive Layoffs

Publisher Electronic Arts (EA) has announced that it had canceled early development on the previously announced Star Wars FPS Action game developed by Respawn Entertainment. The news came as the publisher released a statement on 28th February 2024 that they've undergone a round of layoffs, impacting "approximately" 5% of their workforce as part of their restructuring plans.

The Star Wars FPS project was helmed by Respawn's Game Director, Peter Hirschmann, who had previously worked on the Medal of Honor franchise and various Star Wars games. According to EA Entertainment President Laura Miele's statement, Respawn will be shifting its focus on its established "rich library of owned brands" and the Jedi series moving forward.

Miele stated that while the studio's "ability to connect with players and create exceptional game experiences is unrivaled," players are generally "most excited" for titles from their current catalog and will focus on these games while receiving additional support for their existing releases. "It's always hard to walk away from a project, and this decision is not a reflection of the team’s talent, tenacity, or passion they have for the game."

"Giving fans the next installments of the iconic franchises they want is the definition of blockbuster storytelling and the right place to focus," Miele concluded. Speaking of "iconic franchises," actor Cameron Monaghan confirmed at an Ocala Comic-Con panel that a third entry in the Star Wars Jedi series is being worked on.

“That’s a big undertaking, and there have been some conversations so far, but hopefully, when all things and said and done, we’ll be able to go in and make something really cool,” Monaghan commented. While the Cal Kestis will be returning for the third Jedi game, it will be without Game Director Stig Asmussen, who announced his departure from Respawn before the panel began, according to a report from Bloomberg.

This devasting news of the latest round of layoffs comes mere days after Sony had laid off around 8% of its workforce, impacting teams at Firesprite, Guerrilla, Insomniac, and Naughty Dog while shutting down the PlayStation Studios’ London Studio. Likewise, Riot Games had also laid off 11% of its employees and announced it would close down Riot Forge just weeks before releasing Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story.