Transformers: Reactivate Officially Cancelled by Splash Damage
Splash Damage has announced the cancellation of its highly anticipated Transformers game, Transformers: Reactivate, after a prolonged and challenging development cycle. Revealed at The Game Awards 2022, Reactivate was envisioned as a 1-4 player online game featuring Autobots and Decepticons uniting against a new extraterrestrial threat. While the developer, known for its contributions to multiplayer titles like Gears 5 and Batman: Arkham Origins, generated initial excitement, subsequent news remained scarce, aside from leaks and early toy releases hinting at a Generation 1 roster (Ironhide, Hot Rod, Starscream, Soundwave, Optimus Prime, and Bumblebee) and potential inclusion of Beast Wars characters.
The cancellation, announced via Splash Damage's Twitter, was described as a difficult decision, potentially resulting in staff layoffs due to restructuring. The studio expressed gratitude to the development team and Hasbro for their support. Fan reaction has been mixed, with some expressing disappointment while others anticipated the cancellation given the prolonged silence following the 2022 trailer.
Splash Damage is now fully focused on "Project Astrid," a AAA open-world survival game utilizing Unreal Engine 5, a project announced in March 2023 in collaboration with streamers Shroud and Sacriel. The shift in resources to Project Astrid unfortunately necessitates job cuts within the company. This leaves Transformers fans still awaiting a high-quality, AAA game based on the iconic franchise.
Key takeaways:
- Transformers: Reactivate is cancelled.
- Potential layoffs at Splash Damage are a consequence.
- Splash Damage is concentrating on its open-world survival game, Project Astrid.
Produced By Hasbro and Takara Tomy
