Transformers: Reactivate Canceled by Splash Damage

Transformers: Reactivate Officially Cancelled by Splash Damage

After a prolonged and challenging development cycle, Splash Damage has announced the cancellation of its highly anticipated title, Transformers: Reactivate. This decision, while difficult, will unfortunately result in potential staff layoffs at the studio.

Initially unveiled at The Game Awards 2022, Transformers: Reactivate was envisioned as a 1-4 player online game featuring a collaborative effort between Autobots and Decepticons to combat a new extraterrestrial threat. While the game generated excitement among fans of the Transformers franchise and Splash Damage's established expertise in multiplayer game design (evident in titles like Gears 5 and Batman: Arkham Origins), subsequent updates were scarce. Leaks and early toy releases hinted at a Generation 1 roster including Ironhide, Hot Rod, Starscream, and Soundwave, with potential appearances by Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and even Beast Wars characters. However, these possibilities remain unrealized.

Splash Damage's official statement on Twitter expressed gratitude to the development team and Hasbro for their contributions. Fan reaction has been varied, with some expressing disappointment, while others anticipated the cancellation given the lack of news following the initial trailer.

The studio's focus is now shifting to "Project Astrid," a AAA open-world survival game developed in Unreal Engine 5, in collaboration with streamers Shroud and Sacriel. This transition, while promising for the studio's future, necessitates staff reductions due to the Transformers: Reactivate cancellation. The Transformers fanbase, meanwhile, continues to await a new high-quality game featuring the iconic Robots in Disguise.

Summary:

• Cancellation: Transformers: Reactivate cancelled after a troubled development.
• Layoffs: Potential staff reductions at Splash Damage.
• New Focus: Studio now concentrating on "Project Astrid," an open-world survival game using Unreal Engine 5.

Produced By: Hasbro and Takara Tomy