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

Before the launch of their game "Star Wars Zero Company," Bit Reactor made the challenging choice to furlough a significant portion of its workforce.

Screenshot from Star Wars Zero Company. A clone in white and orange armor aims a rifle with a large scope as a bright explosion erupts in the background, showering sparks and smoke. — Image credit: Bit Reactor

A Bit Reactor spokesperson explained to Game File that this decision was made ahead of the game's outcome and was independent of Electronic Arts or Disney's influence.

Despite this, "Zero Company" has garnered praise from both gamers and reviewers, and it currently holds a high position on Steam's list of best-selling games.

Reports from sources suggest that approximately 80% of the company’s employees were temporarily let go, retaining only a minimal team to tackle any issues that surfaced after the game’s launch.

The company reportedly made this move as funds had largely dwindled just as they prepared to release their debut title.

Ex-technical artist Zachariah Scott criticized the studio on LinkedIn, accusing them of hiding the furloughs that had occurred weeks before.

Scott also revealed to Game File that financial constraints were an issue during his time there, with founder Greg Foertsch frequently discussing the need for a new project to sustain operations.

He mentioned a desire among developers for more advanced lightsaber animations that couldn't be pursued due to financial limitations. The project operated under severe budget restrictions.

Bit Reactor expressed wishes to eventually recall furloughed employees, citing that a successful game launch could have a positive impact.

Nonetheless, Scott remarked that there was skepticism among staff about whether all furloughed individuals would be reinstated.

The furloughs are also noted in a 2024 lawsuit from former COO Alison Kelly, which highlighted that the studio also ended contracts with freelancers.

This lawsuit concerns whether Kelly was a co-owner or if Greg Foertsch is the sole stakeholder, with Kelly alleging she was unfairly ousted.

The lawsuit refers to an unsigned draft from April 2021 that proposed dividing shares among Foertsch, Kelly, and original co-founder Tom Whittaker. Whittaker, along with another co-founder, Steve Meyer, has exited the company since then.

Foertsch's legal team maintains the draft was never finalized, leaving Kelly without ownership and say her removal was based on underperformance, claims which Kelly refutes as she seeks over $20 million in compensation.