Splash Damage Cancels Transformers: Reactivate

Summary

• Transformers: Reactivate has been canceled after a lengthy and troubled development period.
• Some staff members at Splash Damage may be let go as a result.
• The studio is now working on an open-world survival game being built with Unreal Engine 5.

Transformers: Reactivate, a highly anticipated 1-4 player online title, has been officially canceled by Splash Damage. Initially unveiled at The Game Awards 2022 with a mysterious trailer, the game promised a unique collaboration between Autobots and Decepticons to combat a new alien threat on Earth. Splash Damage, renowned for its contributions to multiplayer aspects of games like Gears 5 and Batman: Arkham Origins, had fans eager to see their take on the iconic Transformers franchise.

Despite the excitement, little was shared about Transformers: Reactivate following its announcement. Leaks and early action figure releases hinted at a roster featuring Generation 1 characters such as Ironhide, Hot Rod, Starscream, and Soundwave, along with glimpses of Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. There were also rumors suggesting the inclusion of Beast Wars characters, but all these plans have now been abandoned.

Splash Damage announced the cancellation of Transformers: Reactivate on its Twitter page, acknowledging the difficult decision and its impact on staff, with potential layoffs looming as the studio shifts focus to other projects. The developer expressed gratitude to the team and Hasbro for their support during the game's development.

Splash Damage Cancels Transformers: Reactivate After Nearly Three Years

The announcement highlighted the dedication of the team working on Transformers: Reactivate and thanked Hasbro for its collaboration. Fan reactions to the cancellation have varied, with some expressing disappointment and others not surprised due to the lack of updates since the initial trailer at TGA 2022.

In a strategic pivot, Splash Damage is now channeling its efforts into "Project Astrid," a triple-A open-world survival game developed in collaboration with streamers Shroud and Sacriel using Unreal Engine 5. While resources are being redirected, the cancellation of Transformers: Reactivate will unfortunately lead to layoffs. Transformers enthusiasts are left anticipating the next major game featuring Hasbro's iconic Robots in Disguise.

Summary

Produced By Hasbro and Takara Tomy