EA is laying off 6% of its workforce amid restructuring

The company also plans to review its real-estate footprint

EA has announced it will be laying off roughly 6% of its workforce as part of a restructuring effort.

Electronic Arts’ most recent reports (via GamesIndustry.biz) put that number around 775. The publisher is also taking a look at its real estate and shifting its strategy.

“As we drive greater focus across our portfolio, we are moving away from projects that do not contribute to our strategy, reviewing our real estate footprint, and restructuring some of our teams,” said CEO Andrew Wilson in a note to staff.

“This is the most difficult part, and we are working through the process with the utmost care and respect. Where we can, we are providing opportunities for our colleagues to transition onto other projects,” Wilson said. “Where that’s not possible, we are providing severance pay and additional benefits such as health care and career transition services.”

EA started informing employees earlier in the quarter, and the publisher expects to be informing more affected workers into the next fiscal year, starting April 1.

Additionally, Wilson said the company is “operating from a position of strength” and will be focusing on a handful of priorities moving forward. This includes building games with large communities, making the most of those communities with social and creator tools, and creating blockbuster interactive storytelling.

More tech layoffs

Some cuts to the workforce at EA were already made earlier this year, as over 200 QA staff working on Apex Legends were laid off recently from the Baton Rouge team.

Meanwhile, Respawn recently announced a new studio to bolster Apex Legends development in Madison, Wisconsin.

Eric Van Allen

Senior News Reporter