Electronic Arts (EA) revealed plans to lay off 5% of its workforce as part of a broader initiative along with the termination of several game projects. Read on to learn which games have been affected and more about the situation.
EA Announces Layoff and Shift in Game Development
Layoff Impacting 5% of Workforce Expected to Conclude Early Next Quarter
In a statement released yesterday, EA CEO Andrew Wilson stated that the restructuring effort aligns with the company's strategic priorities and growth initiatives to "deliver enhanced gaming experiences." As part of its broader plan, EA will reduce office space and streamline its operations and organization.
With approximately 13,400 employees globally, the layoffs are expected to affect around 670 people. The layoffs already took place and are expected to conclude in the first quarters of 2025.
"While not every team will be impacted, this is the hardest part of these changes, and we have deeply considered every option to try and limit impacts to our teams," stated Wilson. "Communicating these impacts has already begun and will be largely completed by early next quarter."
Gaming Portflio Will Focus on EA-Owned Flagship Franchises
Along with the job cuts, EA announced it will sunset certain games and focus on titles with large online communities. EA Entertainment and Technology president Laura Miele noted in her statement that the company sees "a rapid player shift toward large open-world games, massive communities, and live services."
EA stated it will continue investing in its flagship franchises, including Apex Legends, Battlefield, EA Sports FC, Madden NFL, and The Sims. The company also said it is discontinuing development on future licensed properties that are unlikely to succeed in the evolving gaming industry landscape.
Among the axed games include mobile games such as Kim Kardashian Hollywood, Lord of the Rings, Tap Sports Baseball, and F1 Mobile. EA stated it will renew its portfolio and has decided to focus on new projects based on existing owned brands, likewise canceling early development on a Star Wars FPS Action game.
Halo Co-Creator Leaves EA and Battlefield Studio
Amid the restructuring, Marcus Lehto, co-creator of Halo and game director at Battlefield studio Ridgeline Games, confirmed his departure from EA, which was speculated last week. In a post on Twitter (X), Lehto stated that he left EA on his own accord.
As part of the changes, EA will be gradually closing down Ridgeline Games with some team members being moved over to EA-owned studio Ripple Effect. EA said it has appointed leadership at Criterion Games to oversee the dissolving studio's efforts on Battlefield.
The newly assembled group of developers will "work with teams across DICE, Ripple, and Criterion as they build the next Battlefield experience," stated Miele.
Source:
EA CEO Andrew Wilson's statement
EA Entertainment and Technology president Laura Miele's statement
EA to lay off 5% of workforce, or about 670 employees
EA has closed Battlefield single-player studio Ridgeline Games
