Respawn Entertainment, the studio behind Apex Legends, has canceled an unannounced incubation project, resulting in layoffs. This news, initially reported by Insider Gaming, citing a since-removed LinkedIn post, has been independently confirmed by IGN.
The canceled project was a multiplayer first-person shooter (FPS). At least one job posting related to this project was available last year. IGN understands the project stemmed from a team previously working on a canceled Star Wars FPS at Respawn. While the exact number of layoffs remains unconfirmed, sources describe the figure as "small." IGN has also identified at least one individual whose LinkedIn profile indicates their departure was voluntary.
This cancellation follows a pattern of project cancellations, layoffs, and restructuring within Electronic Arts (EA). In 2023, EA eliminated 50 jobs at BioWare and an unspecified number at Codemasters. A year prior, the company laid off 670 employees across the board and canceled several projects, including the aforementioned Star Wars FPS, impacting roughly two dozen Respawn employees. Subsequent restructuring at BioWare involved internal developer reassignments and further, unconfirmed layoffs.
IGN has contacted Electronic Arts for comment.
