Only two months into the new year and EA has continued a trend so harrowing in the gaming industry: Mass Layoffs. EA announced a layoff of five percent or 670 members of their staff. Yesterday, PlayStation announced layoffs from some of their most profitable studios and the closure of a PS studio in London.
5 % of Staff Gone in EA
CEO Andrew Wilson, much like other developer heads, put out a statement filled with empty platitudes to cushion the blow of uprooting peoples’ livelihoods. He extended his appreciation to the numerous developers laid off: “I want to extend my appreciation to everyone who has helped contribute to EA’s ongoing story.” He continued, “We are a team that leans into our values to lead the future of entertainment, and I look forward to what we will create together. Thank you for all that you do.”
In addition to the numerous people laid off, Wilson announced the cancellation and developmental shift of titles that were not conducive to the “changing industry.” IGN has learned those games are: Respawn’s unannounced Star Wars FPS has been canceled. Ridgeline Games has gone under as well. Development on the next Mass Effect continues, with BioWare’s focus currently on Dragon Age. They also recently canceled two mobile titles
Unclear Future in Gaming
EA is just the newest studio to announce mass layoffs. On February 27, PlayStation announced the layoff of eight percent, or 900, of their global workforce. The layoffs included developer Insomniac, the developers of Game of the Year candidate Spiderman 2. Xbox laid off nine percent of its staff after completing the Activison-Blizzard acquisition.
Layoffs of this variety and amount are no good for any industry, including one that’s ever-growing, like gaming. With the growing use of AI and the profitability of live-service games, developers and gamers alike are witnessing first-hand how expendable people are when companies prioritize profit over people. Thousands of people are scrambling to salvage their futures not even three months into the year.
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