Home > news > Star Wars Zero Company developer Has Largely Been Furloughed - Report. 1 September 2026 By Edmond Tran Star Wars Zero Company Studio Has Largely Been Furloughed - Report In brief. * Game File reports that Bit Reactor, the studio behind Star Wars Zero Company, had previously furloughed the majority of the team prior to the game's launch * Sources suggest to the publication that "80%" of the team had been affected with a "skeleton crew" remaining * Bit Reactor is also embroiled in a legal dispute between current CEO Greg Foertsch and former COO Alison Kelly, with allegations of unjust dismissal and a dispute over company ownership Game File has brought to light the fact that Bit Reactor, the studio behind tactical strategy game Star Wars Zero Company, had furloughed the majority of the team prior to the game's launch in August 2026, leaving them without pay. Confirming the details with a Bit Reactor representative, the studio told Game File that the decision was made "before it was clear how launch would go," and that the decision was made by Bit Reactor management, without the involvement of Zero Company publisher EA. The representative also said that the studio hopes to bring back the furloughed workers and restore their pay. Game File notes several different sources that allude to the further context behind the situation, including former Cinematics Artist Zachariah Scott, who spoke publicly about the furlough at the end of August 2026 and suggested the studio and publisher were attempting to conceal the fact amid critical acclaim for Zero Company. One source suggested to the Game File that "80%" of the team had been affected, while another source referenced a "skeleton crew" that remained at the studio. It's inferred that the studio had run out of finances to maintain its team, but the specific causes of that situation are not clear. Scott told the publication that Zero Company was developed with "shocking austerity," however. Affected workers were reportedly skeptical that all furloughed workers would get their jobs back. Game File also notes an existing and ongoing legal conflict between CEO Greg Foertsch and former COO Alison Kelly, who co-founded the company. Kelly alleges that she was unjustly ousted by Foertsch, and is seeking damages of over US $20 million, while Foertsch alleges that the suit was brought on in response to a performance-related dismissal for Kelly. The parties also dispute whether Kelly was considered a co-owner of the company. Kelly initiated proceedings in July 2024, though the trial has been postponed to 2027. Prior to Bit Reactor, Kelly worked as a media entertainment consultant, and was previously a VP of Media and Entertainment for now-defunct software security firm FireID. Foertsch was previously a Senior Art Director at Firaxis, where he worked on several titles, including XCOM and XCOM 2 Game File notes that the legal filings name two other individuals involved in the early conception and formation of Bit Reactor: Steve Meyer, former CCO and Director of Research and Development at Firaxis, as well as Tom Whittaker, formerly a Lead Graphics Programmer at Firaxis, and currently its Senior Director of Engineering. Both reportedly left the company citing disagreements. This Week in Videogames is funded entirely by readers, which lets This Week in Video Games resist advertising and commercial interests. Become a paid supporter today and get access to original feature articles, comments, a community Discord, newsletters, and more while backing truly independent games coverage. Image courtesy of Bit Reactor Want to join the discussion? Commenting is a benefit for Supporters and Benefactors. 2 Comments Most Voted This really is a huge shame. Glad I haven't purchased yet, but sad because I was looking forward to this one as a huge Star Wars fan. Guess I'm holding off for now to chug through backlog and making my way back around to this one... fuck these companies, man. The game is amazing (what I've played anyway) yet I hate I bought it not knowing this detail Discover More News

'Sid Meier's Civilization VII' will roll out v1.4.1 update next week, adds Hotseat Multiplayer and more, coincides with premium content. by rainier on June 15, 2026 @ 2:57 p.m. PDT. Sid Meier's Civilization VII empowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known! In Civilization VII, your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire. Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement. Construct cities and architectural wonders to expand your territory, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Pursue prosperity in an immersive solo experience or play with others in online multiplayer. Whether you choose to follow a path rooted in history or reimagine possibilities to chart your own way forward, build something you believe in and create a legacy that echoes through the Ages in Civilization VII. Update 1.4.1 for Sid Meier's Civilization VII is officially launching the week of June 22. This update will mark the debut of Hotseat Multiplayer in Civ VII, a completely revamped, highly randomized Archipelago map, overhauled Governments, Happiness, and Celebrations systems, plus a suite of bug fixes and other improvements. While 1.4.1's new additions are completely free for all Civ VII players, Worthplaying also wanted to bring some fresh flavor to the roster. Launching right alongside the free update is the first half of a new paid content collection - Civilization VII: Brush & Blade Collection. This collection journeys deep into the history of Korea and Japan, exploring the delicate, beautiful balance between refined high art and legendary warfare. Part One of this Collection will include a new Leader, two unique Civilizations, new Wonders to construct and exclusive profile customization awards. Key Features: * Build an Empire to Stand the Test of Time. Lead your empire through distinct Ages of human history. Each Age is its own rich, nuanced journey, with unique playable civilizations, available resources, explorable land, and even entire gameplay systems, creating a deep, historically immersive strategy experience. Strive to accomplish significant scientific, cultural, militaristic, and economic milestones within each Age to unlock impactful advantages in the next! * Evolve Your Empire as Each New Age Dawns. To build a legacy that truly stands the test of time, you must adapt. Forge your own path through history as you reshape your empire at the start of each Age, selecting from a pool of new Age-relevant civilization options determined by your prior gameplay accomplishments. Evolving your empire unlocks fresh gameplay bonuses and unique units, so your current civilization is always at the height of its power. * Play as Visionary Leaders of Progress. Embody an illustrious leader with one of Civilization's most diverse rosters yet, from traditional heads of state known for their militaristic might or political prowess, to visionary leaders who made everlasting impacts in philosophy, science, human rights, and more! Each leader possesses a unique ability and can further be improved with customizable attributes earned through gameplay, empowering you to reinforce or pivot your strategy from one Age into the next. For the first time in franchise history, you can choose your leader separately from your civilization, giving you the freedom to create all-new strategies by mixing and matching gameplay bonuses. * Explore a World Brought to Life Like Never Before. Make your mark on a gorgeously detailed world! Your empire comes to life with a vast, diverse range of cultural styles, represented across building architecture and unit design. Face-to-face interactions with other historic leaders immerse you in every act of diplomacy and declaration of war. As your territory expands and your cities continue to develop, lavishly rendered vistas of your empire seamlessly connect to create a vibrant metropolis. * Test Your Strategic Mettle in Multiplayer. Compete against other players online and prove your prowess as a great leader. Multiplayer matches can be epic multi-Age campaigns, or take place in a single Age so you can enjoy an entire game in a single session. Cross-play is supported between PC and consoles, so you can play together with friends wherever they are.* * An Enjoyable Strategy Experience for All. With more than 30 years of franchise legacy to draw from, Civilization VII features a vast wealth of gameplay improvements that will thrill series veterans and newcomers alike. The overhauled tutorial experience and refined gameplay systems make jumping into Civilization easier than ever, while returning players will appreciate a massive suite of gameplay improvements. Move your army as one under the leadership of a commander, unlock progression bonuses for your leaders across multiple gameplay sessions, traverse navigable rivers, and much, much more! Sid Meier's Civilization VII is available for Meta Quest 3, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, Mac and Linux (Steam).

Highlights from the 2026 Firaxis Vision Summit. Firaxians and 2K partners recently gathered for its third annual Vision Summit. As Firaxis Games, Inc. celebrate its 30th anniversary, Firaxis Games, Inc. is looking back at its legacy and ahead to the next generation of strategy gaming. At Firaxis, Firaxis Games, Inc. often say that "one more turn" is more than just a gameplay loop, it's a philosophy of constant evolution and looking toward what's next. This past Tuesday, May 5, Firaxis Games, Inc. took a moment to step away from its desks and gather just outside of Baltimore, MD, for its third annual company offsite - the Firaxis Vision Summit. With over 200 Firaxians and key partners from 2K in attendance, the day was a high-energy blend of nostalgia and forward-looking strategy. This year's summit carried extra weight as Firaxis Games, Inc. celebrated a massive milestone: its 30th anniversary. Here is a look at the themes that defined the day and how Firaxis Games, Inc. is setting the stage for the next 30 years of world-class strategy gaming. Heather Hazen & Strauss Zelnick A vision from the top. The morning kicked off with a fireside chat between Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick and its Studio President, Heather Hazen. Strauss shared his perspective on Firaxis' enduring legacy, noting that its studio remains a cornerstone of the Take-Two portfolio. Hearing his confidence in its creative vision served as a powerful reminder that while the industry changes, the value of a deep, high-quality strategy experience is timeless. Navigating the horizon. To build for the future, Firaxis Games, Inc. has to understand the present. Firaxis Games, Inc. were joined by 2K partners who provided a comprehensive "lay of the land" regarding the current state of the industry. Firaxis Games, Inc. dove deep into: * The evolving strategy genre: Understanding what players are looking for in 2026. * Emerging trends: How shifts in technology and player behavior are shaping its development goals. * Unified Strategy: Aligning its internal milestones with global publishing trends to ensure its games reach the widest possible audience. The foundations of fun: A conversation with Sid Meier. The heart of the day was a fireside chat with co-founder Sid Meier, who explored the creative engine behind its 30-year legacy. Sid debunked the myth of the straight line to success, describing a great game as a mountain of discarded ideas unearthed through fast iteration. He urged Firaxis Games, Inc. to lean into the PIN principle (Proven, Improved, New), with emphasis on the new by chasing the surprising risks and What Ifs that define a Firaxis experience. Sid also emphasized the human element of game development, noting that while technology shifts, its goal remains providing a canvas for the player's own storytelling. He challenged the next generation of developers to optimize the relationship between design and code to "find the fun" faster. By staying focused on this North Star, Firaxis Games, Inc. ensure that every small task contributes to a well-crafted, surprising game that stays with players for a lifetime. Ed Beach, Creative Director (Civilization) Empowering the Team. The Summit focused heavily on hearing directly from the people building its games and shaping what comes next. Throughout the day, developers across the studio shared lessons learned and real-world case studies from their work. These presentations highlighted a powerful truth as a common thread emerged: its development is grounded in adaptability, continuous improvement, and a deep awareness of player expectations. Teams discussed how they navigate shifting technology, tackle new creative challenges, and make the thoughtful decisions required to keep Firaxis at the top of the strategy genre. These sessions proved that its culture of collaboration is exactly what drives the innovation needed for its next 30 years Looking ahead: one Team, one goal. Firaxis Games, Inc. closed the day with an open Q&A session featuring its Executive Leadership Team and its 2K Publishing lead. It was a transparent, candid conversation about its partnership, its challenges, and its shared goals. As Firaxis Games, Inc. head back to the studio, the message is clear: Firaxis is just getting started. Firaxis Games, Inc. is incredibly grateful to its partners at 2K, its legendary founder, and most importantly, its players who have been with Firaxis Games, Inc. for the last three decades. Here's to the next 30 years of making history.