Transformers: Reactivate Officially Cancelled by Splash Damage

After a prolonged and challenging development cycle, 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, which generated considerable excitement among Transformers fans. The game, intended as a 1-4 player online experience, promised a unique collaboration between Autobots and Decepticons against a new alien threat.

Despite initial interest fueled by Splash Damage's experience with multiplayer titles (like Gears 5 and Batman: Arkham Origins), information about Transformers: Reactivate remained scarce in the following years. Leaks and early toy releases hinted at a Generation 1 roster including Ironhide, Hot Rod, Starscream, and Soundwave, with Optimus Prime and Bumblebee also rumored. Speculation even included Beast Wars characters, but these possibilities are now defunct.

Splash Damage's official statement on Twitter expressed the difficult decision to cease development, acknowledging potential staff redundancies as the studio shifts focus. The developer expressed gratitude to both the development team and Hasbro for their support. Fan reactions are varied, ranging from disappointment to a sense of inevitability given the prolonged silence following the initial trailer.

The studio's transition to "Project Astrid," a triple-A open-world survival game powered by Unreal Engine 5, was announced in March 2023, in collaboration with streamers Shroud and Sacriel. With Transformers: Reactivate now canceled, resources will be redirected to Project Astrid, unfortunately resulting in layoffs within the former's team. The cancellation leaves Transformers fans awaiting a new, high-quality game featuring the iconic Robots in Disguise.

Summary:

• Cancellation: Transformers: Reactivate development halted.
• Impact: Potential layoffs at Splash Damage.
• Future Focus: Studio shifts to open-world survival game, "Project Astrid."
• Producers: Hasbro and Takara Tomy