EA is streamlining operations and has canceled a first-person shooter from Respawn and the closing of Ridgeline Studios. News began breaking yesterday when it discovered (via GamesIndustry.biz) that its latest filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission indicated a possible staff reduction of 5% or roughly 670 employees. This followed a similar course of action which happened last March. Not too long after this latest filing updates began rolling out that EA is in the process of undergoing multiple changes which included a letter from EA CEO Andrew Wilson to staff titled “Continuing to evolve our business and teams”, that laid out the publisher’s current strategy.
Memo excerpt (via EA news page):
“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. Lastly, we are streamlining our company operations to deliver deeper, more connected experiences for fans everywhere that build community, shape culture, and grow fandom.”
The memo continued by acknowledging the 5% staff reduction. This latest announcement follows another nearly identical one made by PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan a few days ago who announced that roughly 900 staff would be laid off. According to its sources, VGC has reported that EA has cancelled a Star Wars game in development at Respawn Entertainment which had Medal of Honor co-creator Peter Hirschmann at the helm. Laura Miele, EA Entertainment President, issued a statement saying that EA had been reviewing Respawn’s portfolio and determined that its Jedi and other IPs held greater interest from players.
Per Laura Miele (via VGC):
“Knowing this, we have decided to pivot away from early development on a Star Wars FPS Action game to focus our efforts on new projects based on our owned brands while providing support for existing games.”
Ridgeline Studios
More evidence that EA is streamlining its operations as news broke that Ridgeline Studios was closed. The studio had been created by EA to debut a new Battlefield narrative campaign as part of EA’s ongoing effort to create a Battlefield Universe. Ridgeline’s cofounder, and Halo co-creator, Marcus Lehto had announced he was leaving the company last week to take time away from games, but then announced yesterday, seemingly surprised by EA’s decision to close the studio about its closure. A reply indicated that its Battlefield project was being handed over to Criterion Games. The Need For Speed studio had previously already been announced in September to be joining the Battlefield team but it now appears its role is increasing.
Gut punched to see EA lay off my team. So many very talented devs who were incredibly valuable to the Battlefield franchise. https://t.co/N3lYSjeO6z
— Marcus Lehto 🇺🇦 (@game_fabricator) February 28, 2024