The gaming community was abuzz with excitement for the upcoming multiplayer game, Transformers: Reactivate, until recent news turned the tide. Splash Damage, the studio behind this ambitious Xbox Series X|S title, announced they are pulling the plug on the project to shift their focus elsewhere. The abrupt cancellation has left some of the studio’s staff facing possible layoffs.
Transformers: Reactivate was set to be an exhilarating online multiplayer experience, accommodating up to four players at a time. This addition to Splash Damage’s portfolio—known for hits like Gears Tactics and Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory—was unveiled during the 2022 Game Awards. Its cancellation, therefore, comes as a significant disappointment to many.
In a statement on social media platform X, Splash Damage expressed why they had to halt development. “The hard decision has been taken to end our work on Transformers: Reactivate. We now need to pare down and refocus our energies on other projects,” the studio explained. The statement also acknowledged the unfortunate reality that several positions at the company could face redundancy due to this change in direction.
“This hasn’t been an easy decision for us,” they continued, “and it’s a challenging moment for both the studio and our team members. We sincerely thank everyone who poured their heart and soul into this project. Our collaboration with Hasbro was fantastic, and we hope to team up again in the future. To our dedicated fans, your enthusiasm kept us motivated through the journey.”
The studio also recognized the emotional toll this decision has taken. “Though not releasing the game is tough, saying goodbye to some of our team is even harder. Our priority now is to provide support to those affected, while also nurturing the team that continues with us as we strive to create a stronger future for Splash Damage.”
In other Transformers-related news, two games were rated in Australia last year, yet details remain in the shadows. Were you eagerly awaiting Transformers: Reactivate from Splash Damage? We’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below!
