EA Cancels Respawn Projects, Announces Layoffs - Impact on Apex Legends & Star Wars Jedi
It's not good news for the gaming community as Electronic Arts (EA) just announced that yet another project in its early stages was cancelled at Respawn Entertainment. That comes on the heels of another multiplayer incubation project at the same studio just last month that was also shut down. Along with these development shifts, it's said that Respawn is also experiencing targeted layoffs that affect employees across a number of its key teams.
Two Experimental Projects Shelved
In a tweet on X (formerly Twitter), Respawn confirmed the difficult decision to "step away from two early-stage incubation projects." This confirms the last month's project cancellation and reveals a second, previously secret project that has now been cancelled.
Layoffs Impacting Critical Teams
While Respawn's reaction mentions "targeted team reductions" within the Apex Legends and Star Wars Jedi teams, insider reports on websites like IGN state these staff reductions have also affected the incubation team responsible for early-stage concepts. Around 100 developers are affected by the changes, though reports suggest the reductions are not confined to any single department within the studio but are spread across several sections of the company.
"Making the likes of which are never an easy one and our highest respect goes out to every affected teammate," was what read part of the studio statement. They recognized efforts of such staff towards the realization of Respawn and announced that they are being provided serious support, including investigating other job opportunities at EA for impacted individuals.
What This Means for Apex Legends and Star Wars Jedi
Responding to worries regarding their recent major titles, Respawn gave reassurance to fans about the future. For Apex Legends, they said the team will keep honing gameplay and adding new concepts in future seasons. Additionally, they will "invest in what's next for the franchise," indicating that they might look into "bold experiences" while remaining faithful to the competitive spirit of the game.
And as for the well-loved Star Wars Jedi franchise, Respawn merely indicated they're "looking forward to continuing to build new stories," with the next installment promising to set the bar even higher in terms of storytelling and gameplay.
Leadership Shifts and Larger Context
Amidst these changes, IGN is reporting that Daniel Suarez, now Respawn's SVP of operations, is being elevated to General Manager of the studio. He will supposedly report directly to Vince Zampella, who will continue to oversee the Battlefield franchise at EA, as well as his previous GM duties at Respawn.
These Respawn changes are not happening in isolation at EA. The publisher has already made reductions at BioWare previously in 2023 and reportedly again after the launch of Dragon Age: The Veilguard in 2024, with the BioWare team now reportedly also assigned to the next Mass Effect title but with less headcount. EA also cancelled a Star Wars shooter project by Respawn previously in 2024 as part of a company-wide wave of 670 layoffs.
Looking Forward
Despite last-minute cancellations of projects and layoffs, Respawn Entertainment continues to maintain the Apex Legends brand and develop the third Star Wars Jedi game. They are assisting Bit Reactor with the release of the new turn-based strategy game, Star Wars: Zero Company, also coming in 2026.
