Online Action Game Transformers: Reactive Cancelled, Dev ‘Potentially’ Facing Lay-Offs

Transformers: Reactivate developer Splash Damage has cancelled the online action game two years after it was revealed at The Game Awards.

The studio shared a message on X/Twitter announcing the “very difficult news” and that “a number of roles” are “potentially at risk of redundancy.” Transformers: Reactivate was announced on December 8, 2022 with a beta expected in 2023, but this was perpetually delayed and obviously has now been fully cancelled.

“This decision did not come lightly, and it is a difficult time for the studio and our people,” Splash Damage said. “We want to take a moment to thank the team who worked on Transformers for their dedication and passion.”

While Splash Damage initially used the term “potentially” to describe lay-offs, the statement later made it seem certain.

“While not being able to see the game through to release is painful, having to say goodbye to friends and colleagues hurts even more. We’re now focused on doing everything we can to support them through this tough period, just as we are committed to caring for those who stay with us as we build a stronger Splash Damage for the future.”

Transformers: Reactivate was described as a one to four player online action game coming to consoles and PC. “The gravest threat to humanity has arrived,” its synopsis read. “And it’s already won. Earth is no longer ours; it belongs to them. All we have left is our hope for the Autobots, as we salvage them from the rubble left behind.”

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.