Electronic Arts announced today that they are laying off about 6% of their total workforce as part of a new restructuring plan. This same plan also includes "optimizing its real estate portfolio and re-focusing its efforts around growth opportunities." This unfortunate news comes to us courtesy of GamesIndustry.biz.
As of their last annual report, EA employed 12,900 people globally. This information was accurate as of the end of March 2022. GamesIndustry.biz notes that a 6% reduction would put the total number of layoffs at around 775 people. This is not accounting for any changes in any new hiring that happened over the past year since that previous report.
EA CEO Andrew Wilson sent out a note to the staff about these layoffs.
In a note to staff about the cuts, EA CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized that the company "is operating from a position of strength" and will be focused on a handful of strategic priorities going forward: building games with large communities based on its biggest IP, making the most of those communities with social and creator tools, and "creating blockbuster interactive storytelling."
"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," Wilson said.
He added, "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. Where that's not possible, we are providing severance pay and additional benefits such as health care and career transition services."​
"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," Wilson said.
He added, "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. Where that's not possible, we are providing severance pay and additional benefits such as health care and career transition services."​
These layoffs at EA come during a time when layoffs have impacted several other tech companies such as Twitch, Microsoft, Meta, EA again, and more.
