Transformers: Reactivate Officially Cancelled by Splash Damage

After a prolonged and challenging development, 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 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 fueled anticipation for its take on the Transformers franchise.

However, a lack of subsequent updates, aside from leaks and premature toy releases, hinted at potential trouble. These leaks suggested a Generation 1 roster including Ironhide, Hot Rod, Starscream, and Soundwave, with Optimus Prime and Bumblebee also rumored. Speculation even included Beast Wars characters, all now rendered moot by the cancellation.

Splash Damage's official statement on Twitter expressed the difficult decision to cease development, acknowledging potential staff redundancies as the studio refocuses its efforts. The company thanked both the development team and Hasbro for their support. Fan reaction has been varied, with some expressing disappointment, while others predicted the cancellation given the prolonged silence.

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 absorb resources, layoffs are expected due to Transformers: Reactivate's cancellation. This leaves Transformers fans awaiting a future AAA game featuring the iconic Robots in Disguise.

Key Points:

• Transformers: Reactivate cancelled after a lengthy development.
• Potential layoffs at Splash Damage.
• Studio now concentrating on the Unreal Engine 5 open-world survival game, "Project Astrid."

Produced By: Hasbro and Takara Tomy