Splash Damage scraps Transformers: Reactivate after a difficult development process. The 1-4 player online game, announced at The Game Awards 2022, featured a Generation 1 cast including Ironhide, Hot Rod, Starscream, and Soundwave (with rumored appearances by Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and even Beast Wars characters). However, a lack of updates and several leaks ultimately led to its cancellation.
The studio's announcement on Twitter expressed regret and acknowledged potential staff layoffs due to restructuring. They thanked the development team and Hasbro for their collaboration. Fan reaction has been varied, with some expressing disappointment while others anticipated the cancellation given the prolonged silence.
Splash Damage is now focusing on "Project Astrid," a AAA open-world survival game built with Unreal Engine 5, a project they revealed in March 2023 in collaboration with streamers Shroud and Sacriel. This shift in focus, while promising for future projects, unfortunately results in job losses for some Transformers: Reactivate team members. The cancellation leaves Transformers fans without the anticipated AAA title.
Summary
- Cancellation: Transformers: Reactivate, a 1-4 player online game, has been canceled by Splash Damage.
- Staff Impact: Layoffs are expected due to the cancellation and the studio's refocusing on other projects.
- Future Focus: Splash Damage is now concentrating on "Project Astrid," an open-world survival game using Unreal Engine 5.
- Producers: Hasbro and Takara Tomy.