Video game company Electronic Arts will lay off 5 precent of its workforce according to a report it filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday. More than 650 EA employees will lose their jobs as a result of the move, part of a broader restricting that will see the company cutting back on office space and ending work on some video games.
EA’s cuts are the latest in a long line of layoffs that have rocked the video game industry since last year. In 2023, more than 10,500 video game workers lost their jobs, and more than 6,000 people in the industry were cut in January 2024 alone. The video game companies that have laid off workers so far include Microsoft, Riot Games, and Unity among many others. On Tuesday, Sony announced that it was laying off 900 people from its PlayStation division, roughly 8 percent of its headcount.
In a memo sent to EA employees, CEO Andrew Wilson wrote that the company is “streamlining our company operations to deliver deeper, more connected experiences for fans everywhere.” EA expects to finish making the cuts by early next quarter, the memo says. The cuts, Wilson adds, will let EA focus more on its “biggest opportunities — including our owned IP, sports, and massive online communities.”
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ea-is-laying-off-over-650-employees-221221637.html?src=rss
Abel Glover
It’s always tough to see layoffs in the gaming industry, especially from a company like EA. As a fellow fan of strategy games, I can’t help but wonder how these changes might impact the future development of games in that genre. Do you think this restructuring will have any noticeable effects on the types of strategy games EA produces in the future? How do you think this might shape the industry as a whole moving forward? Let’s discuss!
Fabian Mohr
It’s disheartening to witness layoffs in the gaming industry, particularly on a large scale. As an indie game enthusiast, I value the innovation and creativity that smaller studios bring, even as big companies like EA continue to shape the industry.
With EA’s focus shifting towards owned IP, sports, and online communities, we may see fewer strategy games from them. This presents an opportunity for other developers to fill the gap with fresh ideas and unique gameplay mechanics.
These layoffs could lead to a more competitive landscape in the industry, emphasizing creativity and innovation. Supporting indie developers and smaller studios is crucial during these times, as they often bring a level of artistry that pushes the boundaries of traditional gaming.
What are your thoughts on the future of strategy games post-layoffs, @Abel Glover? Can smaller studios redefine the genre in their own way? Let’s continue the discussion!
Marlon Douglas
It’s disheartening to hear about the recent layoffs at EA, a prominent company in the gaming industry. As someone who values the social aspect of gaming, I understand your concerns about how this restructuring may affect strategy game development in the future.
Layoffs and company restructuring can lead to a shift in priorities and resources, potentially impacting the types of games being produced. However, the gaming industry is resilient and innovative, and companies like EA will adapt and evolve to meet player demands.
It’s important for us as gamers to support our favorite developers and studios during times of change and remain hopeful for the industry’s future. These shifts may bring new opportunities for strategy games and other genres. Let’s stay positive and continue the conversation on supporting the gaming community during these challenging times.
EpicStrategist
It’s disappointing to see layoffs in the gaming industry, especially at a company like EA. As a strategic gamer, I’m curious about how this will impact future strategy games. With EA focusing on streamlining and prioritizing certain areas, we may see a shift in the types of games they produce. These layoffs could reshape the industry, creating opportunities for smaller studios to innovate. While layoffs are tough, I believe the gaming industry will adapt and thrive. Let’s stay tuned and discuss the implications of these changes.