Respawn Entertainment, the acclaimed developer behind the Star Wars Jedi franchise, is currently grappling with one of the most challenging periods in its history. According to Patrick Ren, a senior combat designer on Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, employee morale has plummeted to an all-time low following the closure of Cliffhanger Games—a studio previously working on a Black Panther game—and broader disruptions at their parent company, Electronic Arts (EA).
Ren expressed these sentiments on the social platform BlueSky, stating plainly, “Morale is at an all-time low. That’s all I can say.” This statement has since echoed across the gaming community, highlighting a larger concern within the industry about how frequent studio closures are affecting developers.
The Fallout from Cliffhanger Games’ Shutdown
What Happened to Cliffhanger Games?
Cliffhanger Games, a lesser-known yet ambitious studio under EA’s umbrella, was reportedly deep into development on a high-profile Black Panther game. With Marvel IP backing and growing excitement in the fanbase, expectations were high. However, in a surprise move, EA canceled the project and shuttered Cliffhanger Games entirely, signaling a strategic shift away from risky AAA narrative titles.
The news came as a shock not only to Cliffhanger’s developers but also to partner studios like Respawn, who share a corporate connection and often collaborate or share tech and creative resources.
Impact on Respawn Employees and Culture
Developer Sentiment and Uncertainty
Patrick Ren’s post underscores a growing unease within Respawn Entertainment. While the studio has seen massive critical and commercial success—especially with Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and its sequel Survivor—the current environment of layoffs, game cancellations, and studio closures is making it difficult for even top-performing teams to feel secure.
Many developers are concerned that even successful IPs like Star Wars Jedi are no longer enough to guarantee stability or long-term investment. Some insiders suggest a culture shift at EA, where long-term, story-driven projects are seen as less valuable in comparison to live-service or multiplayer-focused titles.
Star Wars Jedi 3 Is Still in Development
Pushing Forward Despite the Turmoil
Despite the morale issues and surrounding chaos, Respawn is still actively working on the third installment in the Star Wars Jedi series. The untitled project is expected to continue Cal Kestis’ journey, though details remain tightly under wraps.
Industry insiders say the team is committed to delivering a worthy follow-up to Survivor, despite internal struggles. The franchise has proven to be one of EA’s most critically acclaimed efforts in recent years, which may be the only reason the project is still alive amidst the company’s ongoing restructuring.
Additional Projects Still Moving Forward
Star Wars: Zero Company – Tactical Spin-Off
Respawn is also collaborating with Bit Reactor on a new strategy game titled Star Wars: Zero Company, expected to launch in 2026. This tactical title aims to expand the Star Wars universe into new gameplay genres, targeting fans of XCOM-style combat and turn-based tactics.
While Zero Company may not have the narrative weight of the Jedi series, it reflects Respawn’s ongoing importance in EA’s broader Star Wars portfolio—suggesting that despite challenges, the studio still holds a valuable place within the corporate ecosystem.
EA’s Larger Strategic Shift and Industry Implications
The closure of Cliffhanger Games is part of a wider trend at EA, where the company is reportedly scaling back on big-budget, narrative-driven games in favor of live-service titles, sports franchises, and competitive multiplayer experiences.
This shift has sent shockwaves across the industry. Veteran developers worry that the growing pressure to cut costs and maximize short-term returns is undermining creative ambition and discouraging innovation. The impact on morale isn’t limited to Respawn—it’s a microcosm of the gaming industry’s broader reckoning.
