Respawn Cancels Multiplayer FPS Project Quietly

Respawn Entertainment, the developer behind Apex Legends, has recently canceled an unannounced incubation project, leading to the layoff of an unspecified number of employees involved in the project. This news was initially brought to light by Insider Gaming, citing a now-deleted LinkedIn post from a former production coordinator. The coordinator mentioned that the project they had been part of for the past year was canceled, and they are now seeking new employment along with other talented individuals from the games industry.

IGN has independently verified the cancellation of this unannounced project, which was a multiplayer first-person shooter (FPS). This project was developed by a team previously involved in a now-canceled Star Wars FPS at Respawn. Although the exact number of layoffs remains undisclosed, sources have described it as "small." Additionally, at least one person associated with the project has stated on LinkedIn that their departure was voluntary.

This development is part of a broader pattern of project cancellations, layoffs, and restructuring at Electronic Arts (EA), which began in 2023. The year started with the elimination of 50 jobs at BioWare and an unknown number at Codemasters. Almost exactly a year later, EA announced the layoff of 670 employees across the company and the termination of several projects, including the Star Wars FPS. As a result, around two dozen Respawn employees were affected. Since then, BioWare has undergone restructuring, with developers being reassigned to other internal projects and additional layoffs of key personnel.

IGN has reached out to Electronic Arts for further comment on these developments.