Bit Reactor brings back part of furloughed team after Star Wars Zero Company
Bit Reactor has started bringing back some furloughed staff after Star Wars Zero Company, with payroll headcount now above half of pre-furlough levels.
- CEO Greg Foertsch told Game File the studio had “started the process of returning more of our team back to work.”
- According to Game File, payroll headcount is now above half of its pre-furlough level, though Bit Reactor has not officially confirmed that figure.
What happened
Bit Reactor, the studio behind Star Wars Zero Company, has brought back some of the employees who were previously furloughed. Greg Foertsch told Game File that the studio had “started the process of returning more of our team back to work,” confirming that the return of staff was already underway.
The studio has not said exactly how many people are back. Game File reported, based on sources, that payroll headcount is now above half of the level it was at before the furloughs. That suggests recovery, but the number has not been officially confirmed.
Earlier, GameSpot reported that Bit Reactor had furloughed part of its team after the release of Star Wars Zero Company. Reporting also noted that the studio kept a small core team working on updates for the game while the rest were temporarily out of work.
Timeline
Late August 2026: Star Wars Zero Company launches.
September 2026: reports say a large portion of Bit Reactor’s staff is furloughed.
September 2026: GameSpot reports that a small group of employees continues working on Star Wars Zero Company updates.
October 7, 2026: GameSpot reports that some furloughed employees are returning.
October 7, 2026: Greg Foertsch tells Game File the studio has started the process of bringing more team members back.
October 7, 2026: Game File sources say payroll headcount is now more than half of the pre-furlough level.
Background
Bit Reactor developed Star Wars Zero Company, a tactical Star Wars game that launched in late August 2026. Soon after release, the studio made headlines for furloughs, with a large part of the team temporarily taken off work.
According to earlier reporting, Foertsch said the furloughs followed unexpected business developments outside the studio’s control. That reporting also said Bit Reactor intended to bring back as many people as possible, but the studio has not shared a full schedule or final headcount.
There is also a civil case involving Gregory Foertsch and Alison Kelly, listed as Kelly v. Foertsch, 1:24-cv-02161. Court records show claims including breach of fiduciary duty and breach of contract. The update on returning staff does not include any new ruling in that case.
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Sources
- GameSpot: “Star Wars Zero Company developer sees portion of furloughed workers return”
- Eurogamer: “Star Wars Zero Company bringing back furloughed staff”
- Game File: reporting on returning Bit Reactor employees and payroll headcount
- CourtListener / court records: Kelly v. Foertsch, 1:24-cv-02161