Apex Legends Studio Respawn Cancels Incubation Project, 100 Affected

Respawn Entertainment has recently announced the cancellation of multiple incubation projects and layoffs affecting around 100 employees. This decision impacts teams working on Apex Legends, the Star Wars: Jedi series, and two early-stage projects, including a Titanfall-inspired extraction shooter. The studio is offering support to those affected and has begun reallocating developers to other EA projects, like Iron Man and Battlefield. Despite these changes, Respawn is committed to continuing work on Apex Legends and the next Star Wars title, while also preparing for a significant refresh of Apex Legends, referred to as "Apex 2.0".

The cancellation indicates a shift in focus for Respawn Entertainment, emphasizing existing franchises like Apex Legends and Star Wars instead of new incubation projects. This could lead to more polished and expanded gameplay experiences in these popular titles, potentially enhancing their longevity and engagement with the player base.

Apex Legends, released in 2019, has been a notable player in the battle royale genre, garnering a dedicated fanbase. Initially set in the Titanfall universe, the game has grown through seasonal updates and expansions. The introduction of “Apex 2.0” signals Respawn's intent to innovate and evolve the gaming experience for players while adapting to player feedback and market trends.