Electronic Arts Announces Layoffs, Shifts Focus to Owned IP and Online Communities

Redwood City, CA - February 29, 2024 - Electronic Arts (EA) announced today a major restructuring plan, including layoffs impacting 5% of its global workforce, roughly 670 employees.

CEO Andrew Wilson, in a statement to staff, cited the "accelerating industry transformation" and evolving player needs as key drivers for the changes. This includes a shift away from developing new licensed IP, potentially impacting upcoming Star Wars and Marvel projects.

Instead, EA will "double down" on its own intellectual properties (IP), sports games, and fostering "massive online communities." Wilson emphasized the company's commitment to supporting impacted employees, seeking to find them new roles within EA or providing assistance during their transition.

These layoffs mark another significant blow to the game industry following ongoing cuts throughout 2023 and the first two months of 2024. While reasons for the industry-wide trend remain complex, experts point to factors like changing player habits, increasing game development costs, and long-term planning challenges.