Respawn Entertainment, the developer behind Apex Legends, has recently canceled an unannounced incubation project, resulting in the layoff of an unspecified number of team members involved. This information initially surfaced through a LinkedIn post by a former production coordinator, who shared that the project they had been working on for the past year was discontinued. The post also highlighted the coordinator's search for new opportunities alongside other talented individuals from the gaming industry.
IGN has independently verified the cancellation of this unannounced multiplayer FPS project, which was being developed by a team that previously worked on a now-canceled Star Wars FPS at Respawn. Although the exact number of layoffs remains undisclosed, sources have described it as a "small" number. Additionally, at least one team member has confirmed on LinkedIn that their exit from the project was voluntary.
This development is part of a broader trend of project cancellations, layoffs, and restructuring within Electronic Arts (EA), which began in 2023. The year saw significant cuts, including the elimination of 50 positions at BioWare and an unknown number at Codemasters. Nearly a year ago, EA announced the layoff of 670 employees across the company and the termination of multiple projects, including the Star Wars FPS. These actions led to the loss of jobs for around two dozen Respawn employees. Subsequent to these events, BioWare underwent restructuring, with developers being reassigned to other projects and further layoffs occurring.
IGN has reached out to Electronic Arts for an official statement on the matter.
