Electronic Arts are laying off 6% of employees in a new "restructuring"

“We are moving away from projects that do not contribute to our strategy”

In an announcement to employees, made available onEA’s website, CEO Andrew Wilson says: “As we drive greater focus across our portfolio, we are moving away from projects that do not contribute to our strategy, reviewing our real estate footprint, and restructuring some of our teams.”

He continues: “These decisions are expected to impact approximately six percent of our company’s workforce.” Wilson added that they were “providing opportunities for our colleagues to transition onto other projects” where possible, and offering severance pay and other benefits if not.

Wilson began his announcement by boasting of EA’s strong recent commercial performance. “Even amidst macro uncertainty, EA is operating from a position of strength,” Wilson continues. “Our business is gaining momentum as we continue to deliver high quality games and amazing content across some of the largest, most beloved franchises in the world.” He then points to the series’ record success ofFIFA 23, alongside continued performance forApex LegendsandThe Sims 4.

Earlier this month, EA abruptlylaid off 200 QA testerswho were primarily working onApex Legends, as the company looked to decentralise testing for thebattle royale. The company also reportedlycancelled a single-player shooterin theTitanfall/Apex Legends universe earlier this year, for unknown reasons. Perhaps it was one of the projects that didn’t “contribute” to EA’s strategy.

EA are one of many tech companies that have recently reduced their workforce along withRiot Games, Amazon (affecting 400 Twitch employees), and Microsoft, whose layoffs are said to impact 10,000 employees, including those atBethesda Game Studios and 343 Industries.