Respawn Cancels Multiplayer FPS Project Quietly

Respawn Entertainment, the developer behind Apex Legends, has canceled an unannounced incubation project this week, leading to the layoff of an unspecified number of employees involved in the project. The news was initially reported by Insider Gaming, referencing a now-deleted LinkedIn post from a former production coordinator who stated, "The unannounced incubation project I was a part of for the past year was canceled this week, so I am joining the group of extremely talented and kind people in the games industry searching for a new role."

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

This development is part of a broader trend of project cancellations, layoffs, and restructuring within Electronic Arts (EA). The trend began in 2023 with the elimination of 50 jobs at BioWare and an unknown number at Codemasters. Nearly a year ago, EA laid off 670 employees across the company and canceled several projects, including the Star Wars FPS mentioned earlier. As a result of these cuts, approximately two dozen Respawn employees were let go. Since then, BioWare has undergone restructuring, with developers being reassigned to other projects and additional key personnel being laid off.

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