We at NerdLeaks are following a tense situation at Quantic Dream that, if true, centers on a strike allegedly aimed at keeping Star Wars Eclipse alive. The information on the picket line comes via a report that Insider Gaming published summarizing a write-up from Game Kult. Take this with a pinch of salt — the claims are serious, but they remain allegations reported by other outlets.
What Was Reported
Here’s what has been publicly claimed so far, according to the reporting we’ve seen:
- Quantic Dream employees are on strike and say the action is meant to save Star Wars Eclipse, not to sabotage it, Game Kult reportedly says.
- At least 115 of the people who worked on Spellcaster Chronicles are said to be necessary to continue development on Star Wars Eclipse, per the same report.
- A developer named Jules is quoted as saying the strike “is not an act of sabotage but is an attempt to save the project,” that they are “severely understaffed,” and that staff “started working overtime shortly after the cutbacks were announced,” Game Kult reports.
- Jules is also quoted: “We could manage to release it with 115 additional people, and that wouldn't be 'overstaffed': it's what's needed. We're understaffed, like in many other companies in the sector, because bosses know very well that passion will lead people to crunch time and that games will eventually be released. But it's impossible to run a sustainable industry like that.”
- Another developer named Theo is quoted theorizing that employees might be withholding some of NetEase's requests out of embarrassment, saying: “I think they’re embarrassed by certain decisions that have been imposed in addition to the cancellation of Spellcasters Chronicles, but which they haven’t revealed to us, and which might improve things on Star Wars Eclipse. But management refuses, because it would involve cutting content.”
- Earlier context noted by Insider Gaming includes that in May 2026 Quantic Dream confirmed development of Spellcaster Chronicles had been discontinued, and that Insider Gaming had reported the studio was banking on revenue from that project to fund Star Wars Eclipse.
- Insider Gaming also reported in February 2025 that development on Star Wars Eclipse was unaffected by NetEase's acquisition of Quantic Dream, and that “two years earlier” Insider Gaming reported the studio was acquired for around 100 million euros.
The Source & Credibility
We’re relaying claims that originally appeared via Game Kult and were reported by Insider Gaming. The most pointed on-the-ground quotes — including the detailed justification for needing “115 additional people” and the descriptions of understaffing and overtime — are attributed to developers named Jules and Theo in that reporting.
As always with labor disputes and internal studio issues, there are limits to what can be independently verified from public reporting. We urge readers to treat the quotes and numbers as alleged testimony from sources named by the outlet that broke the story. We at NerdLeaks will continue to watch for confirmations, denials, or further reporting from Quantic Dream, NetEase, and other parties involved.
What It Could Mean
If the claims are accurate, several immediate implications follow — though we must stress these are conditional.
- Staffing Pressure: The assertion that “115 additional people” are needed implies a significant shortfall in resources dedicated to Star Wars Eclipse. If true, that understaffing may force overtime, content cuts, or other trade-offs, which the quoted developers allege has already begun.
- Internal Tension: The quotes attributed to Theo suggest there may be disagreement between staff and management over how to respond to requests tied to the ownership or funding structure, specifically involving NetEase. Theo’s comment alleges that management refused certain changes because they “would involve cutting content.” If true, that could indicate fragile negotiations over scope and quality.
- Project Survival: The strike is described by the quoted employees as an attempt “to save the project.” If that is the stated goal, the action reflects staff believing the project’s viability depends on either rehiring, reallocating resources, or forcing managerial decisions that prioritize completion over immediate cost-cutting.
Why This Matters
This story matters for a few reasons. First, it concerns a high-profile licensed title, Star Wars Eclipse, which has drawn attention precisely because of its scale and the stakes involved. Second, the claims raise broader industry questions about staffing practices and sustainability — echoed in the explicit line from Jules that “it's impossible to run a sustainable industry like that.”
Finally, the involvement of NetEase in the background — and earlier reporting that the studio's acquisition and funding were relevant to development — means these are not purely internal creative disputes but also financial and corporate ones. Whether you view this as a labor struggle, a fight over creative vision, or a desperate bid to preserve a project, the reported strike is a flashpoint that could shape how Star Wars Eclipse is made, if it is made.
We’re watching the situation closely. If Insider Gaming, Game Kult, Quantic Dream, or NetEase publish new information, we’ll report what we can verify. Until then, take the reported claims as that: allegations
