Transformers: Reactivate Canceled by Splash Damage

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, "Project Astrid," being built with Unreal Engine 5.

Transformers: Reactivate has been officially canceled by Splash Damage. At The Game Awards 2022, Transformers fans were excited about the cryptic trailer for Transformers: Reactivate, a 1-4 player online title that would have seen the Autobots and Decepticons unite to combat a new alien threat on Earth. Splash Damage, known for its work on the multiplayer components of popular titles like Gears 5 and Batman: Arkham Origins, had fans eager to see their take on the Transformers universe.

However, little was revealed about Transformers: Reactivate following its initial announcement, apart from some leaks and early action figure releases. According to these leaks, the game would have featured a Generation 1 lineup of playable characters such as Ironhide, Hot Rod, Starscream, and Soundwave, with the toys also showcasing Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. There were also rumors about the inclusion of Beast Wars characters, but these plans will not materialize as the project has been canceled.

Splash Damage announced the cancellation of Transformers: Reactivate after nearly three years of development. In a message posted on their Twitter page, the developer expressed that the decision to halt the game's development was difficult, and it may lead to some staff redundancies as the studio refocuses on other projects.

Splash Damage Cancels Transformers: Reactivate After Nearly Three Years

In their announcement, Splash Damage thanked the team that worked on Transformers: Reactivate for their dedication and acknowledged the support from Transformers owner Hasbro throughout the game’s development. The response to the cancellation has been mixed, with some fans expressing disappointment and others noting that the lack of updates following the initial trailer at TGA 2022 hinted at the game's eventual cancellation.

In March 2023, Splash Damage announced their collaboration with streamers Shroud and Sacriel to develop "Project Astrid," a triple-A open-world survival game using Unreal Engine 5. With the discontinuation of Transformers: Reactivate, Splash Damage will shift its resources to "Project Astrid," although there will still be layoffs among the former's staff. Meanwhile, Transformers fans continue to await a new triple-A experience featuring Hasbro's iconic Robots in Disguise.

Summary

Produced by Hasbro and Takara Tomy