Bit Reactor, the studio behind the acclaimed tactics game Star Wars: Zero Company, has begun returning developers who were furloughed just ahead of the title’s launch. CEO Greg Foertsch confirmed in an online statement published today that the studio “started the process of returning more of our team back to work,” describing it as “an important step forward” in its ongoing support for the game.
The announcement arrives months after Bit Reactor sent roughly 80% of its workforce on a leave of absence without pay or benefits, a move that left most staff in financial limbo at one of the most anticipated Star Wars releases of recent years. Weeks before Zero Company shipped, the studio reportedly furloughed around 80% of its workforce amid what Foertsch described as “unexpected business developments outside of our control.”
A Difficult Decision and a Tentative Recovery
In his statement today, Foertsch did not disclose exactly how many developers have returned to the payroll, though Game File recently reported that more than half of the studio’s overall headcount is back on salary, citing a source familiar with the situation. That means a significant number of workers remain in limbo as the studio works through its recovery.
“This week, we started the process of returning more of our team back to work at Bit Reactor, an important step forward in our continued support for Zero Company. Having to ask team members to step away after we navigated unexpected business developments outside of our control and so close to launch was an incredibly difficult decision, but one that was necessary to help us eventually bring as many people back as possible.”
Greg Foertsch, CEO of Bit Reactor
Foertsch continued by reflecting on the studio’s journey and thanking supporters for their reception of the game. “This team means a tremendous amount to me, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together,” he said. “Thank you to our fans for the incredible response to the game and for supporting us along this journey. We look forward to sharing more updates regarding Bit Reactor and Zero Company soon.”
The Turmoil Behind the Launch
The furloughs came at a precarious moment, landing just before the release of a title that would go on to become one of 2025’s standout strategy games. Reports suggest Bit Reactor seemingly ran out of cash to pay its workers in the wake of an internal legal battle between co-founders Alison Kelly and Foertsch, who now holds sole ownership of the company. The circumstances surrounding the dispute have left many observers questioning how a studio could arrive at such a juncture so close to shipping a highly anticipated product.
The situation drew widespread attention across the gaming community, as fans and industry watchers alike watched a beloved game’s development team scatter during its most vulnerable period. For months, players who embraced Zero Company wondered whether the people behind it would ever be able to return to their work.
A Game That Won Over Fans
Despite the studio’s internal struggles, Star Wars: Zero Company proved a commercial and critical success right out of the gate. The game quickly sold over 1m copies and won over fans by transporting XCOM’s best gameplay bits into a galaxy far, far away, earning praise for its tense, decision-driven tactics combat set within the beloved franchise.
The disconnect between the game’s market triumph and the studio’s financial troubles only deepened the concern among players. Many had hoped that strong sales would translate directly into stability for the team behind it, a hope complicated by the ownership dispute and the reported cash shortage that precipitated the furloughs.
Looking Ahead
While Bit Reactor has signaled progress in bringing staff back, the studio has not provided a definitive timeline for when all affected developers will return or offered clarity on the remaining workers still waiting. The company promised to share additional updates regarding both Bit Reactor and Zero Company soon, leaving fans hopeful that the remainder of the team can be reunited.
For now, more than half of the studio’s headcount is reportedly back on payroll, a meaningful step toward recovery but far from complete. As Star Wars: Zero Company continues to find new players in its post-launch life, the gaming community remains hopeful that the rest of the team can come home soon.
2 comments