Another setback for the video game industry has been announced by Electronic Arts, which is laying off 300 to 400 employees, with approximately 100 of those cuts affecting Respawn Entertainment, the California-based studio responsible for the Titanfall, Apex Legends, and Star Wars Jedi series. This information was reported by Jason Schreier following his investigation and publication in Bloomberg. Notably, beyond these layoffs, the cancellation of a new Titanfall project, codenamed R7, represents a significant disappointment for fans of the franchise. Project R7, described as an “incubation-stage shooter extraction,” was intended to bring back the Titanfall universe after several years without new content. However, in line with strategic restructuring efforts, EA has decided to cancel both this project and another undisclosed internal initiative. Respawn confirmed these terminations on social media, stating that they had made “targeted adjustments” to their teams.
Electronic Arts has announced layoffs affecting between 300 and 400 employees, including approximately 100 from Respawn Entertainment, the California-based studio known for developing the Titanfall, Apex Legends, and Star Wars Jedi franchises. According to Jason Schreier’s investigation published in Bloomberg, the cancellation of a new Titanfall project—codenamed R7—is particularly noteworthy. Described as an “extraction shooter” during its early development phase, Project R7 was intended to relaunch the Titanfall universe after several years without new releases. As part of EA’s strategic restructuring, this initiative along with another undisclosed internal project has been terminated. Respawn Entertainment confirmed these changes on their social media channels, describing them as “targeted adjustments” to their teams.
It is not the first instance where the Titanfall franchise has faced setbacks due to economic priorities. In 2017, Titanfall 3 was canceled in favor of Apex Legends, which has since become prominent in the free-to-play genre. Interestingly, this decision was made internally without informing Electronic Arts for six months, according to Mohammad Alavi’s admission, the former narrative lead on the project. Since then, it appears that the Titanfall franchise is destined for a period of dormancy. The original game was removed from stores in 2022, and while Titanfall 2 remains playable, it faces ongoing server issues. Fans continue to hope for its return, but indications from Respawn Entertainment are growing less promising.
Despite these challenges, Respawn continues to focus on its current projects. The studio is actively developing “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order” and sustaining growth in “Apex Legends,” which continues to draw a significant community of players. Some members from the Titanfall team have been reassigned to other Electronic Arts (EA) projects, including work on an Iron Man game at Motive Studios and contributions to the Battlefield franchise. Daniel Suarez, formerly Senior Vice President of Operations, has been promoted to General Manager of Respawn and now reports directly to Vince Zampella, one of the studio’s co-founders. This restructuring is aimed at stabilizing the company following a series of tough decisions.
With the cancellation of R7 and significant layoffs, a new chapter is unfolding for Respawn Entertainment and Titanfall fans. The franchise, which once combined innovation with intensity, now appears to be relegated to memory. Despite its qualities, the series struggled to find a place in a market dominated by blockbuster titles and evolving economic models. The prospect of Titanfall 3 seems increasingly distant, giving way to a more pragmatic reality: that of a studio which must make strategic decisions to ensure survival.
