In a stunning blow to gamers and industry insiders alike, Electronic Arts (EA) confirmed today that it has canceled Titanfall 3, the highly anticipated sequel to Respawn Entertainment’s acclaimed mech-combat franchise. The announcement accompanied news of sweeping layoffs affecting over 300 employees across the company, including significant cuts at Respawn, the studio behind Titanfall, Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi series.
The decision, first reported by Bloomberg, marks EA’s latest restructuring effort amid what CEO Andrew Wilson described as a “strategic realignment to focus on owned IP, sports, and massive online communities.” Sources familiar with the matter claim development on Titanfall 3 had been quietly underway for over two years, with Respawn aiming to revive the series after 2017’s Titanfall 2 earned a passionate cult following despite underperforming commercially.
A Community Left Reeling
Fans erupted in dismay following the news, flooding social media with calls to #SaveTitanfall. The franchise has long been a flashpoint for gamers, with many blaming EA’s decision to release Titanfall 2 between Battlefield 1 and Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare in 2016 for its lackluster sales. “This feels like losing a loved one twice,” tweeted user @VesperTitan. “First they buried Titanfall 2, now they’re killing its sequel.”
Respawn addressed the cancellation in a brief statement on X/Twitter, writing, “This is a heartbreaking day for our team. To the Titanfall community: your passion has kept this universe alive. We’re deeply sorry we won’t see this journey through together.” The post did not clarify whether elements of the project would be folded into Apex Legends, EA’s free-to-play titan set in the Titanfall universe.
Layoffs Hit Respawn Hard
According to internal documents obtained by Bloomberg, Respawn lost nearly 40% of its workforce in the cuts, including key developers tied to Titanfall 3. The studio’s Star Wars Jedi team and Apex Legends live-service staff were largely spared, though morale is reportedly at an all-time low. “We knew EA was scrutinizing projects, but no one expected this,” said a former Respawn employee who asked to remain anonymous. “Titanfall was our soul. Now it’s just… gone.”
EA’s layoffs follow a brutal year for the gaming industry, which has seen over 15,000 jobs eliminated since 2024. The company’s stock rose 2.3% following the announcement, reflecting investor approval of cost-cutting measures.
What’s Next for EA and Respawn?
While Titanfall 3 is dead, Respawn will continue supporting Apex Legends and is rumored to be developing a third Star Wars Jedi title. EA also confirmed plans to double down on its Battlefield franchise and EA Sports FC, its rebranded soccer series.
Analysts, however, warn that alienating Titanfall’s dedicated fanbase could backfire. “EA is prioritizing safe bets, but they’re burning goodwill,” said GamesIndustry.biz’s Rebekah Valentine. “You can’t monetize fandom if you keep breaking its heart.”
For now, pilots mourning the loss of their titans are left with memories—and a lingering hope that, someday, the series might eject into safety.
For further details, read Bloomberg’s full report here.