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 game featuring Autobots and Decepticons teaming up against a new alien threat, has been officially canceled by its developer, Splash Damage. The game was first teased at The Game Awards 2022 with a cryptic trailer that sparked excitement among Transformers fans. Known for their work on multiplayer components of popular titles like Gears 5 and Batman: Arkham Origins, Splash Damage had fans eager to see their take on the iconic Transformers franchise.
Despite the initial buzz, little information was shared about Transformers: Reactivate following its announcement. Leaks and premature action figure releases hinted at a roster featuring Generation 1 characters like Ironhide, Hot Rod, Starscream, and Soundwave, alongside Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. There were also rumors of including Beast Wars characters, but these plans will now remain unrealized.
Splash Damage announced the cancellation of Transformers: Reactivate on their Twitter page, acknowledging the difficult decision and expressing gratitude to the dedicated team and Hasbro for their support throughout the project's development. The decision to cancel the game may lead to layoffs among the staff as the studio shifts focus to other projects.
Splash Damage Cancels Transformers: Reactivate After Nearly Three Years
The cancellation announcement highlighted the studio's appreciation for the team's hard work and Hasbro's collaboration. Reactions from the Transformers community have been mixed, with some fans expressing disappointment over the game's cancellation, while others had anticipated this outcome due to the prolonged silence following the initial trailer at TGA 2022.
In March 2023, Splash Damage revealed their involvement in "Project Astrid," a triple-A open-world survival game developed with Unreal Engine 5 in collaboration with streamers Shroud and Sacriel. With the discontinuation of Transformers: Reactivate, Splash Damage is redirecting its resources toward "Project Astrid," though this shift will still result in layoffs. Meanwhile, Transformers enthusiasts continue to await a new major game featuring Hasbro’s beloved Robots in Disguise.
Summary
Produced By Hasbro and Takara Tomy
