On March 21st, 2024, Electronic Arts (EA), one of the most influential game publishers in the world, announced a significant round of layoffs that has sent ripples throughout the gaming industry. The decision arrives amid broader restructuring efforts and reflects ongoing changes in the video game sector. This restructuring includes not just job cuts, but also a reevaluation of the company’s portfolio and future direction.
TLDR: EA has laid off around 670 employees as part of a strategic realignment of its development and publishing priorities. CEO Andrew Wilson cited a need to streamline operations and focus on high-impact franchises. The layoffs, which affect multiple departments including game development, publishing, and support services, have sparked a wave of emotional reactions from current and former employees. The move also involves halting the development of certain games and closing some studio initiatives.
Company Announcement and Strategic Shift
According to an official statement by CEO Andrew Wilson, the layoffs are part of EA’s effort to “streamline our company operations to better focus on our biggest opportunities, including our owned IP, sports, and massive online communities.” The layoffs are impacting roughly 5% of EA’s global workforce—around 670 employees.
Wilson acknowledged the human cost of this decision in a company-wide email, stating, “We are streamlining our company operations to deliver deeper, more connected experiences for fans everywhere.” However, the message also indicated that some in-development projects would be canceled or merged, as EA aims to reallocate resources towards higher-performing franchises like FIFA (recently rebranded as EA Sports FC), The Sims, Apex Legends, and Battlefield.
This strategic pivot reflects a growing industry trend, where major players are doubling down on proven revenue drivers while moving away from riskier, experimental titles.
Image not found in postmetaWhich Studios and Departments Were Affected?
Although EA has not publicly released division-specific layoff numbers, insider reports and posts from affected employees suggest the impact has been felt across multiple departments:
- Game Development Studios: Teams under EA Originals and other emerging studios were among those let go. The closure of Criterion’s single-player project, rumored to be a new Star Wars title, highlights the shift in EA’s strategic direction.
- Publishing and Marketing Teams: These departments, particularly those working with non-sports IPs, were trimmed to streamline operations and cut costs.
- Support Services: IT, QA, and community management roles were also reduced, affecting internal infrastructure and long-term game maintenance capabilities.
Notably, some layoffs impacted international studios in Canada, the UK, and Australia, underlining the global scope of EA’s restructuring.
Employee Reactions: Frustration and Sadness
In the hours following the announcement, social media platforms like LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) were flooded with posts from former EA employees sharing the news of their dismissals. The responses paint a picture of shock, disorientation, and widespread dismay within the EA community.
“Gutted to say I was part of the EA layoffs today.” wrote one former associate producer. “Grateful for the amazing colleagues and projects I got to be part of, but this still hurts.”
Several developers and artists shared similar sentiments, many of whom had spent years—or even decades—working on flagship titles like Battlefield and The Sims. There was an overwhelming sense of loss, not just of jobs, but of creative potential and collaborative momentum built over time.
The layoffs also intensified concerns about job stability across the gaming industry. “It feels like no studio is safe anymore,” wrote another employee. That fear is not unwarranted, as many tech and entertainment companies have been tightening their belts in the post-pandemic economic landscape.
Broader Industry Context
The cuts at EA are part of a larger wave of job losses across the gaming and tech sectors. From Microsoft integrating Activision Blizzard to Ubisoft downsizing studios in Europe, companies are reevaluating their business models amid inflation concerns and shifting consumer behaviors.
According to research firm Newzoo, the global games market is expected to grow modestly in 2024, following a contraction in 2022 and lukewarm recovery in 2023. In this environment, triple-A studios are growing more conservative with their investments. Layoffs, while unfortunate, are often framed by executives as a path toward long-term sustainability.
However, critics argue that these restructuring efforts often place profitability above employee wellbeing. The backlash has become more vocal, with online petitions and labor unions calling for greater protections and transparency in decision-making processes.
Impact on Projects and Franchises
Several ongoing and future projects are being reevaluated or shuttered. While details are scarce, anonymous tips suggest the following:
- EA Originals: At least one unannounced indie-backed title was scrapped.
- Star Wars Universe: A rumored Mandalorian-themed game under initial planning at Respawn Entertainment is now indefinitely shelved.
- Criterion Games: Pivoting away from narrative-driven experiences to focus on racing titles and franchise support.
The impact of these layoffs might not be fully visible to consumers until years later, when prospective releases fail to appear or lose momentum. Gamers and industry insiders alike are now watching EA closely for signals of what experiences the company will prioritize moving forward.
Company and Community Response
EA has pledged to provide severance packages, healthcare support, and career services to those affected. The company insists that every step is being taken to help displaced workers transition into new roles both inside and outside the gaming industry.
Still, skepticism remains. Former employees have reported getting only minimal notice and limited communication before being locked out of company systems. Others, particularly in international branches, expressed confusion over region-specific policies and support programs.
Meanwhile, the wider gaming community is rallying behind affected employees. Online spaces such as the r/gamedev subreddit and Discord communities have become support centers, offering job referrals and moral support. Studios like Bungie, Insomniac, and indie developers have openly invited ex-EA staff to apply for open positions.
What This Means for EA’s Identity
EA’s brand has evolved drastically over the last decade. From a heavily monetized image associated with lootboxes to a more balanced slate of respected IP and partnerships, EA has been working hard to reshape its public image. The current layoffs, however, complicate that narrative.
While the long-term strategic benefits of a streamlined EA are yet to be seen, the move sends a clear message: EA wants to play to its strengths and reduce developmental risk. Whether this leads to creatively richer or commercially safer offerings is something only time will reveal.
Conclusion
The layoffs at Electronic Arts mark a sobering chapter in the ongoing transformation of the gaming industry. As EA recalibrates its portfolio and doubles down on legacy titles, hundreds of professionals are left navigating uncertainty in an already volatile field.
For a publisher that has delivered both groundbreaking games and controversial corporate decisions, this moment will likely be remembered as a turning point—one that raises important questions about corporate priorities, creative risk-taking, and the human cost of innovation.