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 development was initially reported by Insider Gaming, citing a now-deleted LinkedIn post from a former production coordinator who mentioned being part of the project for the past year before its cancellation. The coordinator also noted joining the ranks of talented individuals in the gaming industry now seeking new employment opportunities.
IGN has independently verified the cancellation of this unannounced project, which was a multiplayer first-person shooter (FPS). This project was initiated by a team previously involved in a now-canceled Star Wars FPS at Respawn. While the exact number of layoffs remains undisclosed, a source familiar with the project described it as "small." Additionally, at least one individual associated with the project has stated on LinkedIn that their departure was voluntary.
This move is part of a broader trend of project cancellations, layoffs, and restructuring within Electronic Arts (EA), which began in 2023. That year saw the elimination of 50 jobs at BioWare and an unknown number at Codemasters. The trend continued nearly a year ago when EA laid off 670 employees across the company and terminated several projects, including the Star Wars FPS. As a result of these cuts, approximately two dozen Respawn employees were let go. Since then, EA has restructured BioWare, reassigning developers to other internal projects and laying off an additional unspecified number of key staff members.
IGN has reached out to Electronic Arts for further comment on these developments.
