Respawn Has Quietly Canceled a Multiplayer FPS Incubation Project

Apex Legends developer Respawn Entertainment has canceled an unannounced incubation project this week, resulting in the layoff of an undisclosed number of staff members who were working on it. The news was initially reported by Insider Gaming, citing a now-deleted LinkedIn post from a former production coordinator involved with the project. The post mentioned that the individual was now seeking new employment along with other talented colleagues affected by the cancellation.

IGN has independently verified the cancellation of this unannounced multiplayer FPS project. The project was initiated by a team previously working on a now-canceled Star Wars FPS at Respawn. While the exact number of layoffs remains unspecified, a source familiar with the project described it as "small." Additionally, at least one person connected to the project has stated on LinkedIn that their departure was voluntary.

This development is part of a broader trend 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 unknown number at Codemasters. The trend continued nearly a year ago when EA laid off 670 employees company-wide and canceled multiple projects, including the Star Wars FPS at Respawn, which led to the loss of jobs for around two dozen Respawn employees. Following these cuts, BioWare underwent restructuring, with developers being reassigned to other projects and additional key staff members being laid off.

IGN has reached out to Electronic Arts for further comment on these developments.