Respawn Cancels Multiplayer FPS Project Quietly

Respawn Entertainment, the developer behind Apex Legends, has canceled an unannounced incubation project this week, resulting in the layoff of an unspecified number of employees involved in the project. The news was initially reported by Insider Gaming, citing a now-deleted LinkedIn post from a former production coordinator. The post mentioned that the individual had been part of the project for the past year and was now seeking new employment along with other talented individuals affected by the project's cancellation.

IGN independently confirmed the cancellation of this unannounced multiplayer first-person shooter (FPS) project. The project was developed by a team that previously worked on a canceled Star Wars FPS at Respawn. While the exact number of layoffs remains undisclosed, a source familiar with the project described it as "small." Additionally, at least one individual connected to the project clarified 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. Approximately one year ago, EA laid off 670 employees company-wide and canceled multiple projects, including the Star Wars FPS, which led to the loss of around two dozen jobs at Respawn. Following these cuts, BioWare underwent restructuring, with developers being reassigned to other projects and further layoffs of key individuals.

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