Transformers: Reactivate Canceled by Splash Damage

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 contributions to multiplayer titles like Gears 5 and Batman: Arkham Origins, had aimed to deliver a fresh take on the beloved Transformers franchise.

However, subsequent years yielded minimal updates, punctuated only by leaks and premature toy releases. These leaks suggested a Generation 1 roster including Ironhide, Hot Rod, Starscream, and Soundwave, with Optimus Prime and Bumblebee also hinted at through merchandise. Speculation even included Beast Wars characters, all now rendered moot by the game's cancellation.

Splash Damage's official statement on Twitter expressed the difficult decision to halt development, acknowledging potential staff redundancies as the studio refocuses its efforts. The developer expressed gratitude to the dedicated team and Hasbro for their support throughout the project.

Fan reaction has been mixed, with disappointment from some quarters and others anticipating the cancellation given the prolonged silence following the initial trailer.

The studio's shift in focus 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, is now expected to absorb resources previously allocated to Transformers: Reactivate. Unfortunately, this transition will involve staff layoffs. The cancellation leaves Transformers fans awaiting a new AAA game featuring Hasbro's iconic robots.

Summary:

• Transformers: Reactivate cancelled after a troubled development.
• Potential layoffs at Splash Damage.
• Studio now focusing on open-world survival game ("Project Astrid") using Unreal Engine 5.

Produced By: Hasbro and Takara Tomy