Transformers: Reactivate Canceled by Splash Damage

Splash Damage has officially cancelled its Transformers: Reactivate project after a prolonged and difficult development process. This news follows a cryptic trailer reveal at The Game Awards 2022, generating anticipation for a 1-4 player online game featuring Autobots and Decepticons battling a new alien threat. While leaks suggested a Generation 1 roster including Ironhide, Hot Rod, Starscream, and Soundwave (with potential Beast Wars additions), the game will not see release.

The studio's announcement on Twitter expressed the difficult decision to cancel development, acknowledging potential staff layoffs due to restructuring. Splash Damage thanked the development team and Hasbro for their support. Fan reaction has been mixed, with some expressing disappointment, while others anticipated cancellation due to the lack of updates since the initial trailer.

The studio's focus now shifts to "Project Astrid," a AAA open-world survival game built with Unreal Engine 5, announced in March 2023 in collaboration with streamers Shroud and Sacriel. Resources will be redirected to this project, resulting in staff reductions related to the cancellation of Transformers: Reactivate. The absence of a new AAA Transformers title leaves fans awaiting a future release.

Summary

• Cancelled: Transformers: Reactivate development halted.
• Layoffs: Potential staff reductions at Splash Damage.
• New Focus: Studio shifting to "Project Astrid," an open-world survival game.
• Hasbro & Takara Tomy: Producers of the Transformers franchise.