Respawn Cancels Multiplayer FPS Project Quietly

Apex Legends developer Respawn Entertainment has canceled an unannounced incubation project this week, leading to 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 who mentioned being part of the project for a year before its cancellation. This individual is now seeking new employment along with other talented professionals in the gaming industry.

IGN has independently verified the project's cancellation and learned that it was a multiplayer first-person shooter (FPS). The project was initiated by a team previously working on another 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 person linked to the project has stated on LinkedIn that their exit was voluntary.

This development is part of a broader pattern of project cancellations, layoffs, and restructuring within Electronic Arts (EA), which began in 2023. That year saw the elimination of 50 jobs at BioWare and an unspecified number at Codemasters. Nearly a year ago, EA laid off 670 employees across the company and terminated several projects, including the Star Wars FPS, resulting in approximately two dozen job losses at Respawn. Since then, BioWare has undergone restructuring, with developers reassigned to other projects and additional layoffs of key personnel.

IGN has contacted Electronic Arts for a statement on these developments.