Layoffs are looming large for Quantic Dream following the failure of Spellcasters Chronicles, with 115 developers set to be affected. In response, the studio has gone on strike, both to protest the current leadership and to retain those employees to ensure that Star Wars Eclipse sees the light of day.
Speaking to Gamekult, the team behind the title believes that they’re “absolutely essential” to the project and that it “literally cannot be finished” without them. If not retained, those remaining will have to crunch to make up for the loss (overtime reportedly went into effect for Eclipse hours after the announcement of layoffs).
“We believe that, as things stand, the game simply cannot be completed if the layoff plan is implemented as currently proposed,” said one developer.
Together with STJV union, the studio is holding a protest on the same day that a Lucasfilm delegation is set to visit. Its long-term goal is to meet NetEase Games executives (who have apparently remained hands-off throughout) to put pressure on Quantic Dream leadership. The latter is reportedly pushing back against this while also claiming that failure to return to work could lead to Eclipse’s cancellation and the studio facing bankruptcy.
As for why there’s been little to no communication on the title – announced in December 2021 at The Game Awards – it’s apparently due to “multiple delays and massive disorganization.” Negotiations are still ongoing, so stay tuned for updates. Unfortunately, the situation with Quantic Dream and the recent layoffs at Bungie is only a taste of what’s still to come.
