Quantic Dream employees have gone on strike to protect 115 jobs—and ensure the continued development of Star Wars Eclipse. According to reports from Gamekult, the labor dispute follows the cancellation of the MOBA Spellcasters Chronicles.
Why are Quantic Dream employees striking?
The strike was called by the French gaming union STJV following the sudden cancellation of Spellcasters Chronicles. The free-to-play MOBA entered Early Access on February 26, 2026, but failed to gain significant traction. Quantic Dream officially ceased development on May 20, triggering a wave of layoffs.
While the union initially reported that 95 positions were at risk, Gamekult reports the number of threatened jobs has risen to 115. This represents a significant portion of the studio’s staff.
The strike coincides with a visit from a Lucasfilm delegation on June 25, who arrived at the Paris headquarters to assess the development status of Star Wars Eclipse.
How does NetEase influence the studio’s direction?
NetEase, the Hangzhou-based tech giant that fully acquired Quantic Dream in 2022, is at the center of the controversy. Employees told Gamekult that NetEase pushed for the cancellation of Spellcasters Chronicles, even though Quantic Dream’s own leadership reportedly opposed the move.
This conflict highlights a shift in NetEase’s global strategy. Following a period of rapid expansion, the company has been divesting from various locations and cutting hundreds of jobs since 2025. Bloomberg previously reported that NetEase CEO William Ding prioritizes projects capable of generating hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue.
Comparing the Job Loss Figures
| Metric | Initial Report | Updated Report (Gamekult) |
|---|---|---|
| Threatened Positions | 95 | 115 |
| Workforce Impact | ~20% | a quarter |
What is the future of Star Wars Eclipse?
The primary goal of the striking workers is to secure the resources needed to finish Star Wars Eclipse. The project was first announced with a cinematic trailer at the 2021 Game Awards, generating massive industry hype. However, the studio has provided very little public information about the game since then.
Staff members have described the studio as chronically understaffed. They argue that the employees being targeted for layoffs are essential to the completion of the Star Wars title. Given the lack of recent updates, the project’s status remains uncertain.
Is the layoff plan legal under French law?
The STJV union is challenging the legality of the planned social plan. According to Gamekult, the union argues that the plan is unlawful because it specifically targets the team associated with Spellcasters Chronicles. Under French labor regulations, a company cannot structure layoffs to focus exclusively on a single project team.
The current strike is part of a broader wave of industrial action. The STJV has called for protests across the country through September to address similar grievances within the French gaming sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Quantic Dream?
The studio is fully owned by NetEase.
Which game is at risk of being cancelled?
While Spellcasters Chronicles has already been cancelled, workers are striking to prevent the cancellation or mismanagement of Star Wars Eclipse.
How many people are affected by the layoffs?
According to Gamekult, 115 positions—about a quarter of the Paris studio—are currently threatened.
What do you think about the shift toward high-revenue-only gaming models?
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