Summary

• After a prolonged and troubled development, Transformers: Reactivate has been canceled.
• This may result in layoffs at Splash Damage.
• The studio is now focusing on an open-world survival game, “Project Astrid,” built using Unreal Engine 5.

Transformers: Reactivate, a 1-4 player online game showcasing Autobots and Decepticons battling a new alien threat on Earth, was unveiled at The Game Awards 2022. Developed by Splash Damage, known for their work on multiplayer aspects of titles like Gears 5 and Batman: Arkham Origins, the game generated anticipation among fans.

However, following the initial announcement, information remained scarce, limited to leaks and early action figure releases. These leaks suggested a Generation 1 roster including Ironhide, Hot Rod, Starscream, and Soundwave, with Optimus Prime and Bumblebee also hinted at. Rumors even suggested the inclusion of Beast Wars characters. Ultimately, none of these features will materialize.

Splash Damage recently announced the cancellation of Transformers: Reactivate after a lengthy and difficult development process. A message on their Twitter page explained the difficult decision and acknowledged potential staff redundancies as they refocus their efforts. The studio expressed gratitude to the development team and Hasbro for their support. Fan reaction has been mixed, with some expressing disappointment, while others anticipated the cancellation due to the lack of updates since the 2022 trailer.

Splash Damage's March 2023 announcement of "Project Astrid," a triple-A open-world survival game built with Unreal Engine 5, in collaboration with streamers Shroud and Sacriel, now seems to be their primary focus following the termination of Transformers: Reactivate. While resources will shift to "Project Astrid," layoffs are expected within Splash Damage as a consequence of the cancellation. The cancellation leaves Transformers fans awaiting a new high-quality game featuring Hasbro's iconic robots.

Summary

Produced By Hasbro and Takara Tomy