Transformers: Splash Damage Pulls Plug on Reactivate

Transformers: Reactivate Officially Cancelled by Splash Damage

After a prolonged and challenging development, Splash Damage has announced the cancellation of its Transformers: Reactivate project. This decision, while difficult, may unfortunately lead to staff layoffs.

Initially unveiled at The Game Awards 2022, Transformers: Reactivate was envisioned as a 1-4 player online game featuring Autobots and Decepticons uniting against a new alien threat. Splash Damage, known for its multiplayer expertise in titles like Gears 5 and Batman: Arkham Origins, had generated anticipation for its take on the Transformers franchise.

However, the years following the announcement yielded minimal information, punctuated only by leaks and early toy releases. These leaks suggested a Generation 1 roster including Ironhide, Hot Rod, Starscream, and Soundwave, with potential appearances by Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and even Beast Wars characters – all now unfortunately unfulfilled.

Splash Damage's official announcement expressed gratitude to the development team and Hasbro for their contributions. Fan reaction has been varied, with some expressing disappointment, while others had anticipated cancellation given the lack of updates since the 2022 trailer.

The studio's focus is now shifting to "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. While resources will be redirected to "Project Astrid," the cancellation of Transformers: Reactivate will result in job losses within Splash Damage. The Transformers fanbase, meanwhile, continues to await a new high-quality game featuring the iconic Robots in Disguise.

Summary:

• Cancellation: Transformers: Reactivate cancelled after a troubled development.
• Layoffs: Potential staff reductions at Splash Damage.
• New Focus: Studio now concentrating on the open-world survival game, "Project Astrid" (Unreal Engine 5).

Produced By: Hasbro and Takara Tomy