Transformers: Reactivate Officially Cancelled by Splash Damage
Splash Damage has announced the cancellation of its highly anticipated Transformers title, Transformers: Reactivate, after a prolonged and challenging development cycle. The news, revealed via a statement on Splash Damage's Twitter, follows a cryptic trailer release at The Game Awards 2022. The game, envisioned as a 1-4 player online experience pitting Autobots and Decepticons against a new alien threat, had generated considerable interest among fans.
Despite initial excitement, information about Transformers: Reactivate remained scarce in the following years, leaving many to speculate. Leaks suggested a roster of Generation 1 characters (Ironhide, Hot Rod, Starscream, Soundwave, Optimus Prime, and Bumblebee), and even hinted at the inclusion of Beast Wars characters. However, these possibilities are now defunct.
The cancellation announcement expressed gratitude to the development team and Hasbro for their contributions. Fan reaction has been varied, with some expressing disappointment, while others anticipated the cancellation given the lack of updates since the 2022 trailer.
This decision will unfortunately result in staff redundancies at Splash Damage. The studio is refocusing its efforts on "Project Astrid," a AAA open-world survival game powered by Unreal Engine 5, which was initially announced in March 2023 in collaboration with streamers Shroud and Sacriel. The resources previously allocated to Transformers: Reactivate will now be directed towards Project Astrid.
The cancellation leaves a void for Transformers fans eagerly awaiting a high-quality, AAA game featuring the iconic robots.
Summary:
- Cancellation: Transformers: Reactivate development halted.
- Impact: Potential staff layoffs at Splash Damage.
- Future Focus: Splash Damage shifts to open-world survival game, "Project Astrid."
- Producers: Hasbro and Takara Tomy.
