Apex Legends developer Respawn Entertainment has recently canceled an unannounced incubation project, resulting in the layoff of an unspecified number of staff members involved in the project. This information was initially brought to light by Insider Gaming, referencing a now-deleted LinkedIn post from a former production coordinator who shared their experience of being part of the canceled project and subsequently joining others in the gaming industry in search of new opportunities.
IGN has independently verified the cancellation of this unannounced project, which was a multiplayer first-person shooter (FPS). This project was developed by a team that previously worked on another canceled Star Wars FPS at Respawn. While the exact number of layoffs remains undisclosed, sources have described it as "small." Additionally, at least one individual associated with the project has confirmed 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. The trend continued nearly a year ago when EA announced the layoff of 670 employees across the company and the termination of several projects, including the Star Wars FPS. As a result of these cuts, around two dozen Respawn employees were affected. Since then, BioWare has undergone restructuring, with developers being reassigned to other internal projects and additional layoffs of key personnel.
IGN has sought comment from Electronic Arts regarding these developments.