EA layoffs: Electronic Arts to cut staff by about 5% in latest round of reductions
ORLANDO, Fla. - EA – or Electronic Arts – is planning to cut 5% of its workforce, according to a letter sent to employees Wednesday – the latest tech company to announce staff layoffs in recent weeks.
The letter, which was also posted to the company's website, was sent from EA CEO Andrew Wilson on Wednesday afternoon, who spoke about the company's progression over the last year.
Electronic Arts – which is common known as the maker of several popular video games, like FIFA, Madden, and UFC – will now focus more on its own IP games, sports, and massive online community, and less on games and some licensed IP that "we do not believe will be successful in our changing industry," WIlson said in his letter to employees.
"Fans are increasingly engaging with the largest IP, and looking to us for broader experiences where they can play, watch, create content, and forge deeper connections. Our industry exists at the cutting edge of entertainment, and in today’s dynamic environment, we are advancing the way we work and continuing to evolve our business," Wilson said.
"Given how and where we are working, we are continuing to optimize our global real estate footprint to best support our business. We are also sunsetting games and moving away from development of future licensed IP that we do not believe will be successful in our changing industry. This greater focus allows us to drive creativity, accelerate innovation, and double down on our biggest opportunities — including our owned IP, sports, and massive online communities — to deliver the entertainment players want today and tomorrow."
It's the second round of layoffs EA has undergone in a year. In March 2023, EA confirmed that it would cut 6% of its staff – roughly 800 employees. The latest round of layoffs would be completed by early next quarter, he said.
Which teams and at what locations would be hit the hardest by the upcoming layoffs wasn't immediately clear. A spokesperson for EA told FOX 35 that they did not have more to share other than what Wilson shared previously.
"I understand this will create uncertainty and be challenging for many who have worked with such dedication and passion and have made important contributions to our company. 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," he said.
Electronic Arts has more than a dozen locations throughout North America, including one in Orlando, Florida. The Orlando office is home to several teams, including those that have worked on Madden, PGA Tour, EA College Football, and NBA Live, according to its website.