A significant restructuring wave has swept through Electronic Arts (EA), impacting hundreds of employees. Recent reports suggest that the gaming giant has decided to part ways with a substantial portion of its workforce, primarily affecting teams within Respawn Entertainment, creators of Apex Legends and Star Wars Jedi games. This decision stems from the company's strategic choice to discontinue two projects still in their infancy. As a result, adjustments have been made across various teams, including those working on popular franchises like Apex Legends and Star Wars Jedi.
Despite these changes, EA emphasizes support for affected employees. The organization is committed to assisting them by exploring new opportunities within the broader EA network. This marks the second major round of layoffs in 2025, following an earlier instance earlier this year. In January, BioWare, another prominent studio under EA, reallocated staff due to shifts in project priorities, indicating a pattern of reorganization aimed at aligning resources with evolving corporate strategies. These moves coincide with a challenging period marked by financial pressures and technological transitions within the gaming industry.
The past few years have seen EA undergo extensive transformations, including a $125 million expenditure on workforce reductions in 2024. That year alone witnessed significant cuts, notably at Respawn Entertainment and other studios like Ridgeline Games. With the cancellation of several high-profile projects, questions arise regarding EA's long-term vision for its studios beyond upcoming releases. Speculation grows about whether generative AI technology might play a pivotal role in reshaping game development processes, potentially replacing human labor with automated solutions. Amidst these changes, the message sent to the gaming community underscores the need for innovation and adaptability in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.