Quantic Dream strike layoffs threatens Star Wars Eclipse

Employees at French video game developer Quantic Dream have gone on strike, warning that the studio's highly anticipated project, Star Wars Eclipse, cannot be completed if planned layoffs proceed. The industrial action, which began on June 26, coincided with a scheduled visit from Lucasfilm Games representatives to review the game's progress at the studio's Paris headquarters.

The strike centers on the studio's intention to lay off approximately 115 employees following the closure of its multiplayer online battle arena game, Spellcasters Chronicles. That game was shut down in May after a brief early access period beginning in February. Developers on the picket line argue that these staff members are essential to finishing Star Wars Eclipse, a narrative-driven adventure game set in the Star Wars High Republic era that was first announced in December 2021.

Speaking to reporters, striking employees framed their action as an attempt to save the project. One developer stated that the team is already understaffed and that releasing the game would require the additional 115 people, not as overstaffing but as a necessary allocation. Another employee was quoted as saying, "We believe...