With the Threat of Layoffs Looming, Quantic Dream Staff Say They’re Going on Strike to Save Star Wars Eclipse From Cancelation
French video game studio Quantic Dream is facing internal turmoil following the recent cancelation of its live-service title Spellcasters Chronicles, just three months after its early access launch. The cancelation has triggered announced layoffs at the studio, though the company has not disclosed the number of affected employees.
In response to these developments and concerns about the future of the studio’s in-development Star Wars Eclipse project, Quantic Dream staff are reportedly planning strike action to prevent the game’s cancelation. The move reflects employee anxiety about the stability of the studio and their projects in the wake of the Spellcasters Chronicles failure.
Quantic Dream, headquartered in France, has built its reputation as a developer of narrative-driven, single-player experiences. Notable titles in their portfolio include Heavy Rain, Beyond: Two Souls, and Detroit: Become Human—all acclaimed story-focused games that differ significantly from the live-service model attempted with Spellcasters Chronicles.
At the time of Spellcasters Chronicles’ cancelation, Quantic Dream stated that development of Star Wars Eclipse would continue. However, employee concerns about the company’s direction and the potential for further project cancelations have prompted staff to organize strike action as a means of protecting the game’s future.