Transformers: Reactivate Canceled by Splash Damage

Transformers: Reactivate Officially Cancelled by Splash Damage

After a prolonged and challenging development cycle, Splash Damage has announced the cancellation of its highly anticipated title, Transformers: Reactivate. This news follows a cryptic trailer reveal at The Game Awards 2022, generating significant excitement among Transformers fans for a 1-4 player online game featuring Autobots and Decepticons uniting against a new alien threat. Splash Damage, known for its contributions to multiplayer elements in games like Gears 5 and Batman: Arkham Origins, had been expected to deliver a fresh take on the Transformers franchise.

However, limited information surfaced regarding Transformers: Reactivate in the subsequent years, aside from leaks and early releases of related action figures. These leaks suggested a Generation 1 roster including Ironhide, Hot Rod, Starscream, and Soundwave, with Optimus Prime and Bumblebee also hinted at. Speculation even included the possibility of Beast Wars characters. Unfortunately, these prospects are now defunct.

Splash Damage's official statement on Twitter confirmed the cancellation, citing the difficult decision and acknowledging potential staff redundancies as the studio refocuses its efforts. The developer expressed gratitude towards the development team and Hasbro for their support. Fan reactions have been varied, with some expressing disappointment, while others anticipated the cancellation given the prolonged silence following the initial trailer.

The studio's shift in focus is now towards "Project Astrid," a AAA open-world survival game built using Unreal Engine 5, announced in March 2023 in collaboration with streamers Shroud and Sacriel. While "Project Astrid" will benefit from the reallocated resources, the cancellation of Transformers: Reactivate will unfortunately result in layoffs. The Transformers fanbase remains without a new AAA title featuring the iconic Robots in Disguise.

Summary:

• Transformers: Reactivate cancelled after a troubled development.
• Potential layoffs at Splash Damage.
• Studio now focusing on open-world survival game ("Project Astrid") using Unreal Engine 5.

Produced By: Hasbro and Takara Tomy