In the weeks leading up to the release of Star Wars Zero Company, Bit Reactor placed "many of its workers" on furlough

Prior to the launch of Star Wars Zero Company, Bit Reactor faced the challenge of placing "many of its workers" on furlough.

The studio, explaining to Game File, mentioned that the decision was taken "before it was clear how the launch would go." They emphasized that neither Electronic Arts, the publisher, nor Disney, which holds the Star Wars license, influenced this decision.

The game itself has been well-received, garnering positive reviews from both users and critics, securing the second spot on Steam's top sellers list.

According to insiders speaking to Game File, 80% of Bit Reactor's workforce was furloughed, with a skeleton crew left behind to manage any post-launch game issues. The studio's financial reserves reportedly dwindled substantially just before releasing their initial project.

Former senior technical artist Zachariah Scott, on LinkedIn, suggested Bit Reactor deliberately obscured the timing of the furlough. He told Game File that financial constraints were significant during his time there, and founder Greg Foertsch frequently expressed the need to "secure a new game deal" to sustain operations.

Scott recounted developer desires for additional lightsaber animations that were dismissed due to limited funds, describing the project as managed under "shocking austerity."

Bit Reactor's spokesperson expressed hope that released workers could be rehired if the game's launch succeeded. Nevertheless, Scott mentioned that others were skeptical about returning to their roles even if financial conditions improved.

The layoffs were additionally cited in a 2024 legal case initiated by former COO Alison Kelly. The lawsuit delves into whether Kelly holds ownership in Bit Reactor, or if Foertsch is the sole proprietor, with allegations from Kelly that Foertsch excluded her from the company.

Kelly highlighted an April 2021 draft operating agreement that divided company shares among Foertsch, Kelly, and original co-founder Tom Whittaker. Both Whittaker and another co-founder, Steve Meyer, have since departed the studio. Foertsch's legal team countered, stating the draft was unsigned, implying Kelly wasn't a partner. They also claimed her dismissal was due to underperformance, assertions Kelly rebuffs while seeking over $20 million in damages in her suit.