Respawn Cancels Multiplayer FPS Project Quietly

Respawn Entertainment, the developer behind Apex Legends, has recently canceled an unannounced incubation project, leading to the layoff of an unspecified number of team members involved. The news broke through Insider Gaming, citing a now-deleted LinkedIn post by a former production coordinator. The post mentioned that the project, on which they had worked for the past year, was canceled, and they were now seeking new opportunities in the gaming industry alongside other talented individuals impacted by the decision.

IGN independently verified the cancellation of this unannounced project, which was a multiplayer first-person shooter (FPS). This project was initiated by a team previously tasked with developing a Star Wars FPS at Respawn, which had also been canceled the previous year. Although the exact number of layoffs remains undisclosed, a source familiar with the project described the layoffs as "small." Additionally, at least one individual associated with the project confirmed on LinkedIn that their departure was voluntary.

This cancellation is part of a broader trend of project terminations, layoffs, and restructuring at Electronic Arts (EA), which began in 2023. The year started with the elimination of 50 jobs at BioWare and an unknown number at Codemasters. Nearly a year ago, EA announced the layoff of 670 employees across the company and the closure of several projects, including the Star Wars FPS. This wave of cuts also affected Respawn, resulting in the loss of around two dozen jobs. Following these layoffs, EA restructured BioWare, shifting developers to different internal projects and laying off additional key personnel.

IGN has reached out to Electronic Arts for further comment on these developments.