Quantic Dream Developers Strike as Star Wars Eclipse Faces Fresh Uncertainty

Quantic Dream employees have reportedly staged a strike outside the studio’s Paris office as up to 115 jobs face cuts following the shutdown of Spellcasters Chronicles. Workers involved in the action say the layoffs could also place Star Wars Eclipse at serious risk, arguing that the studio needs more staff to finish the long awaited Star Wars game.

The protest comes during a difficult period for Quantic Dream. The studio ended support for Spellcasters Chronicles only months after its launch, leading to an internal restructuring that could remove the entire team behind the multiplayer project. According to reports, many of those developers could instead help support Star Wars Eclipse, which has remained in development since its reveal in 2021.

Quantic Dream has previously said that work on Star Wars Eclipse continues as planned. However, the latest dispute has raised new questions about whether the studio has enough people, funding, and stability to complete the project.

Workers Say Star Wars Eclipse Needs More Staff

Developers taking part in the strike reportedly believe the planned job cuts would weaken the studio at a crucial time. They argue that the 115 affected employees should be reassigned to Star Wars Eclipse instead of being laid off.

The workers say the project is already short on staff and that bringing experienced colleagues into the team would help reduce pressure on the remaining developers. They also warned that losing skilled employees could create more delays, especially because the team would need time to train replacements or hire new people later.

The strike was reportedly timed to coincide with a Lucasfilm visit to Quantic Dream’s headquarters. The visit was said to involve a review of Star Wars Eclipse, making it an important moment for employees who want management and Lucasfilm to understand the current situation.

Spellcasters Chronicles Closure Created a Larger Problem

Spellcasters Chronicles was Quantic Dream’s attempt at a competitive multiplayer game, but the project did not remain active for long. After the game was shut down, the studio announced changes to its internal structure.

That decision created fears that the team behind the game would be removed instead of moved to other projects. The affected employees are now reportedly facing layoffs despite Star Wars Eclipse needing more resources.

The situation has also reopened concerns about the wider games industry. Large studios often face job cuts after a project fails, even when other teams inside the same company need additional staff. Workers involved in the protest argue that this approach wastes experienced talent and places extra pressure on teams already trying to deliver major games.

NetEase Reports Add More Pressure to the Situation

Quantic Dream became part of NetEase in 2023, but reports have suggested that the company may be exploring options to sell the studio. Neither company has confirmed those claims publicly.

Still, the possibility of a sale creates another layer of uncertainty around Star Wars Eclipse. A new owner could change the project’s budget, development plans, or long term priorities. Lucasfilm could also have a greater role in deciding how the game moves forward if Quantic Dream’s financial situation becomes more difficult.

Star Wars Eclipse remains one of the most anticipated upcoming Star Wars games, but there is still no release date or gameplay footage. The project was announced at The Game Awards in December 2021 and is set during the High Republic era.

For now, Quantic Dream says development continues. The strike shows that many employees believe the studio must protect its staff first if Star Wars Eclipse is going to reach completion.