Bit Reactor, the studio behind the upcoming title Star Wars Zero Company, has announced that it is gradually bringing back employees who were placed on furlough prior to the game's release. In a brief statement posted on the social platform Bluesky, chief executive Greg Foertsch explained that the company "has begun the process of returning more of our team back to work" during the current week. While the announcement confirmed that the rehiring effort is underway, Foertsch did not disclose the exact number of staff members who have been reinstated. The decision to furlough a substantial portion of the workforce was described by Foertsch as "an incredibly difficult decision" forced upon the studio by "unexpected business developments outside of our control." He emphasized that the move was intended as a temporary measure, with the ultimate goal of "eventually bringing as many people back as possible" once the situation stabilizes.
An insider familiar with the internal dynamics of Bit Reactor shared details with Game File, indicating that more than fifty percent of the employees who were on the roster before the furlough have now been placed back on the payroll. However, a number of other former staff members remain without pay, as the company continues to navigate its financial constraints. According to the same source, furloughed workers retain their official employee status, but they are not receiving salaries or benefits during the period of inactivity.
The background to this situation dates back to the weeks leading up to the launch of Star Wars Zero Company. Bit Reactor made the controversial decision to place a large segment of its staff on furlough, citing uncertainty about how the launch would unfold. At the time, reports suggested that as much as 80 percent of the studio's personnel were furloughed, leaving only a skeletal crew to manage post‑launch technical issues, community feedback, and any emergent bugs.
This lean team was tasked with monitoring the game's performance, patching critical problems, and providing limited support to the player base while the majority of developers were temporarily out of work. The impact of such a massive reduction in manpower was felt across the organization. Employees who were furloughed found themselves in a precarious position, maintaining their affiliation with the company but without the financial compensation that normally accompanies full‑time employment.
Many expressed concerns about the long‑term viability of the studio and the potential for further layoffs should the game's commercial performance not meet expectations. The uncertainty also affected morale among the remaining staff, who were required to shoulder a heavier workload under tight deadlines. Since the initial furlough, Bit Reactor has been closely monitoring the market response to Star Wars Zero Company. Early sales figures, player engagement metrics, and community sentiment have all played a role in shaping the studio's strategy for re‑engaging its workforce.
Positive reception and a steady influx of new players have encouraged the leadership to begin the phased return of employees, aiming to restore as much of the original development capacity as possible. Rehiring efforts are being carried out in stages. The first wave includes key personnel such as lead designers, senior programmers, and artists whose expertise is essential for ongoing content updates, balance tweaks, and future expansion packs.
By restoring these critical roles, Bit Reactor hopes to accelerate the development pipeline and deliver new features that keep the player community invested. Subsequent phases will focus on bringing back support staff, quality‑assurance testers, and other specialists who contribute to the overall health and sustainability of the game.
Industry observers note that Bit Reactor's approach reflects a broader trend among mid‑size game studios that face volatile market conditions. Rather than opting for permanent layoffs, many companies are choosing furloughs as a way to retain talent while reducing immediate payroll obligations. This strategy allows studios to quickly scale up operations again when financial conditions improve, preserving institutional knowledge and reducing the costs associated with recruiting and training new hires. For the employees who remain on furlough, the situation remains challenging.
Although they retain their official status as Bit Reactor staff, the lack of salary and benefits creates financial strain. Some have reportedly sought supplemental income through freelance work or part‑time positions, while others are awaiting further communication from the studio regarding the timeline for their return.
The company has indicated that it will continue to evaluate its financial health and market performance before making additional staffing decisions. Looking ahead, Bit Reactor's leadership is optimistic that the gradual reinstatement of its workforce will enable the studio to not only maintain the current game but also lay the groundwork for future projects within the Star Wars franchise. By rebuilding its development team, the studio aims to foster a more stable and creative environment, ensuring that both the current title and any subsequent releases benefit from a full complement of skilled professionals.
In summary, Bit Reactor has initiated a phased rehiring process after a period of extensive furloughs that affected the majority of its staff. While more than half of the original team has already been placed back on the payroll, a number of employees remain unpaid but retain their employee status. The studio's decision to bring staff back reflects improving market conditions for Star Wars Zero Company and underscores a strategic effort to restore development capacity while navigating the financial realities of the gaming industry.