Transformers: Splash Damage Cancels 'Reactivate'

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. The news, revealed via a statement on Splash Damage's Twitter account, confirms the project's demise and hints at potential staff layoffs due to restructuring.

Initially unveiled at The Game Awards 2022 with a mysterious trailer, Transformers: Reactivate promised a 1-4 player online experience pitting Autobots and Decepticons against a new extraterrestrial threat. Leaks and early toy releases suggested a roster including Generation 1 characters like Ironhide, Hot Rod, Starscream, and Soundwave, along with potential appearances from Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and even Beast Wars characters. However, a lack of subsequent updates fueled speculation, ultimately proving accurate with the cancellation announcement.

Splash Damage expressed gratitude to its development team for their commitment and to Hasbro for their continued support. Fan reaction has been mixed, with disappointment from some quarters and others who anticipated the cancellation given the radio silence following the initial reveal.

The studio's future now focuses on "Project Astrid," a AAA open-world survival game built using 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 staff reductions, leaving Transformers fans without the promised AAA title and highlighting the inherent risks in game development.

Key takeaways:

• Transformers: Reactivate is cancelled.
• Potential layoffs at Splash Damage.
• Splash Damage is now prioritizing "Project Astrid," an open-world survival game.

Produced By: Hasbro and Takara Tomy