EA restructuring, laying off 6% of workforce
Hundreds of employees to be cut, but CEO Andrew Wilson says publisher "is operating from a position of strength"
Electronic Arts today announced that it will be laying off approximately 6% of its staff as part of a restructuring plan that also includes optimizing its real estate portfolio and re-focusing its efforts around growth opportunities.
EA's last annual report said it employed 12,900 people globally as of the end of March 2022, when a 6% cut would have put the total number of layoffs around 775.
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, 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."
EA began informing employees of the layoffs earlier this quarter. Wilson said the publisher expects to continue informing affected employees into the early part of its next fiscal year, which begins April 1.
EA also filed an 8K form with the Securities and Exchange Commission today, saying it expects to incur $170 million to $200 million in charges as a result of the restructuring plan. It added that the restructuring should be finished by the end of September.
The year has seen numerous mass layoffs in the gaming and tech industries, with Google, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon/Twitch, ByteDance, Unity and more making cuts to staff.
EA has already made some cuts, with more than 200 QA staff (including external contractors) reportedly let go last month from the Baton Rouge, Louisiana office that had been supporting Apex Legends.