In a recent turn of events, the development of Star Wars: Eclipse has come under scrutiny as Quantic Dream employees voice concerns regarding staffing and project viability. Initially unveiled with a captivating cinematic trailer in 2021, the game has since seen limited updates, with studio founder and CEO David Cage only hinting at ongoing development in a blog post last year.
Staffing Concerns and Strikes
As the studio navigates the complexities of game development, the recent cancellation of their live-service game, Spellcaster Chronicles, has led to significant layoffs affecting 115 employees. Those who remain assert that these layoffs jeopardize the future of Star Wars: Eclipse. A developer, known as Jules, expressed the urgency of their situation, stating, “We could manage to release it with 115 additional people, and that wouldn’t be ‘overstaffed’: it’s what’s needed.”
In a bid to draw attention to their plight, employees staged a strike during a visit from LucasFilm, emphasizing that their actions are not an attempt to sabotage the project but rather a plea for support. “It’s impossible to run a sustainable industry like that,” Jules added, highlighting the broader issue of overwork and understaffing in the gaming sector.
Management and Ownership Dynamics
The situation is further complicated by Quantic Dream’s ownership by NetEase, which acquired the studio in 2022. Employees have expressed frustration over management’s reluctance to engage in discussions with NetEase regarding project resources. “We’ve explicitly asked for them to be at the negotiating table,” said Théo, another employee. “But Quantic Dream’s management is preventing us.”
There are claims that the decision to halt development on Spellcaster Chronicles originated from NetEase, while Quantic Dream management continued to allocate resources to the project. This dynamic has led to perceptions of a disconnect between the studio’s management and its parent company, with employees feeling caught in the middle.
Future Protests and Ambitions
The initial strike marks the beginning of a series of planned protests, dubbed the “Summer Strike Fest,” aimed at ensuring that management recognizes the necessity of additional staff for the completion of Star Wars: Eclipse. “David Cage keeps saying that Star Wars: Eclipse is a particularly ambitious project. So let him give us the means to achieve his ambitions,” Théo remarked, underscoring the urgency of their demands.
As the situation unfolds, the gaming community watches closely, with many hoping for a resolution that allows Quantic Dream to fulfill its ambitious vision for Star Wars: Eclipse while ensuring the well-being of its workforce.
