Transformers: Reactivate Canceled by Splash Damage

Transformers: Reactivate Cancellation Announced by Splash Damage

After a prolonged and challenging development, Splash Damage has officially canceled its Transformers: Reactivate project. This news follows a cryptic trailer reveal at The Game Awards 2022, generating initial excitement for a 1-4 player online game featuring Autobots and Decepticons uniting against a new alien threat. Splash Damage, known for its multiplayer expertise on titles like Gears 5 and Batman: Arkham Origins, had high expectations for this entry into the Transformers universe.

However, subsequent years yielded minimal information beyond leaks and early toy releases. These leaks suggested a Generation 1 roster including Ironhide, Hot Rod, Starscream, and Soundwave, with Optimus Prime and Bumblebee hinted at through merchandise. Speculation even included Beast Wars characters, but these plans are now defunct.

Splash Damage's announcement cited the difficult decision to cease development, acknowledging potential job losses due to restructuring and refocusing on other projects. The studio expressed gratitude to the development team and Hasbro for their collaboration. Fan reaction has been varied, with some expressing disappointment and others anticipating the cancellation given the prolonged silence since the initial trailer.

The studio's shift in focus is towards "Project Astrid," a AAA open-world survival game built with Unreal Engine 5, announced in March 2023 in collaboration with streamers Shroud and Sacriel. Resources will be redirected to this project, resulting in layoffs from the Transformers: Reactivate team. The cancellation leaves Transformers fans awaiting a new high-quality game featuring the iconic robots.

Summary:

• Cancellation: Transformers: Reactivate canceled by Splash Damage.
• Layoffs: Potential job losses due to project cancellation.
• New Focus: Splash Damage shifts to open-world survival game "Project Astrid" (Unreal Engine 5).
• Producers: Hasbro and Takara Tomy.