Apex Legends developer Respawn Entertainment has canceled a secretive incubation project this week, leading to the layoff of an unspecified number of team members involved in its development. This information initially surfaced through a report by Insider Gaming, which cited a LinkedIn post from a former production coordinator. The post, now removed, mentioned that the unannounced project they had worked on for the past year was canceled, prompting them to seek new employment alongside other talented individuals in the gaming industry.
IGN has independently verified the cancellation of this unannounced incubation project. It was revealed to be a multiplayer first-person shooter (FPS) developed by a team that previously worked on a Star Wars FPS at Respawn, which was also canceled last year. IGN confirmed that several individuals were let go due to this cancellation, though the exact number remains undisclosed. Sources described the layoffs as "small." Additionally, at least one person associated with the project has stated on LinkedIn that their exit was voluntary.
This development marks another chapter in the ongoing trend of project cancellations, layoffs, and restructuring at Electronic Arts (EA). The trend began in 2023 with the elimination of 50 jobs at BioWare and an unknown number at Codemasters. Nearly a year ago, EA laid off 670 employees across the company and terminated several projects, including the Star Wars FPS. This round of cuts affected about two dozen Respawn employees. Following these events, BioWare underwent a restructuring, with developers reassigned to different projects and additional layoffs of key personnel.
IGN has sought a comment from Electronic Arts regarding these developments.
