Electronic Arts (EA), the renowned maker of popular gaming franchises like Madden NFL and Apex Legends, has announced plans to cut 5% of its workforce as part of a broader restructuring strategy. This move comes amidst a wave of layoffs sweeping through the gaming industry, with several major players implementing similar measures to streamline operations and adapt to evolving market dynamics.
The decision to reduce staff is aimed at supporting EA’s strategic priorities and growth initiatives, according to a securities filing released on Tuesday. Alongside the layoffs, EA also revealed intentions to downsize its office space footprint and make significant changes to its future content slate. CEO Andrew Wilson outlined the company’s commitment to delivering deeper, more connected experiences for fans while emphasizing the need to shape culture and grow fandom.
This announcement follows EA’s previous layoffs, which saw around 800 employees let go last year. The gaming industry at large has been experiencing a trend of job cuts, with Epic Games, Tencent’s Riot Games, Microsoft, and Sony all announcing significant reductions in their workforce in recent months. Sony’s decision to cut 8% of its global workforce, equivalent to around 900 jobs, adds to the industry-wide restructuring efforts.
According to EA’s most recent annual report filed in May of last year, the company had a workforce of 13,400 employees as of March 31, 2023. With last year’s layoffs already affecting hundreds of workers, the additional 5% reduction announced on Wednesday could potentially impact more than 600 employees.
Despite the workforce reduction news, EA’s stock showed resilience in the market, closing up nearly 0.5% on the day of the announcement. This positive performance reflects investors’ confidence in the company’s ability to navigate the evolving landscape of the gaming industry. Over the past year, EA’s shares have experienced a notable uptrend, rising by almost 27%.
As EA moves forward with its restructuring plans, the company aims to prioritize initiatives that foster community engagement and drive innovation in gaming experiences. The decision to sunset certain games and discontinue development of selected licensed intellectual properties underscores EA’s commitment to focusing resources on projects with the highest potential for success in the ever-changing gaming market.
While layoffs are undoubtedly challenging for those affected, EA’s strategic realignment signals a proactive approach to ensuring long-term sustainability and competitiveness in the gaming industry. As the company continues to adapt to shifting consumer preferences and technological advancements, it remains poised to deliver captivating gaming experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide.
