DMCA.com Protection Status EA lays off over 650 employees, cancels Star Wars game | – Times of India – News Market

EA lays off over 650 employees, cancels Star Wars game | – Times of India

EA lays off over 650 employees, cancels Star Wars game | - Times of India

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Electronic Arts (EA) announced widespread layoffs on Wednesday, cutting over 650 jobs across the company. The reductions represent around 5% of EA‘s total workforce and are part of a major restructuring effort to refocus the video game giant.
As part of the restructuring, EA is cancelling an in-development Star Wars first-person shooter game in the early stages at studio Respawn Entertainment.Though disappointing for Star Wars fans, EA says it will continue to develop future games in the popular Jedi franchise.
In a memo to employees, EA CEO Andrew Wilson said the moves will “streamline company operations” and allow greater focus on EA’s biggest franchises and live services. The restructuring is expected to be largely complete by early next financial quarter.
“This greater focus allows us to drive creativity, accelerate innovation, and double down on our biggest opportunities — including our owned IP, sports, and massive online communities,” Wilson wrote.
EA is offering severance packages and job placement assistance to affected employees. But the exact details of who is impacted remain unclear. The company has major studios located around the world working on top franchises like FIFA, Battlefield, Apex Legends, and more.
As stated in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the estimated cost of the restructuring is between $125-165 million, out of which $50-65 million will be spent on reducing office space. The company has also predicted that severance and employee costs will amount to $40-55 million. Furthermore, discontinuing licensed IP projects is expected to cost EA an additional $35-45 million.

The Star Wars game cancelled

In a separate memo, EA President Laura Miele confirmed that a Star Wars FPS project in early development at Respawn has been discontinued. The game featured an original story and new characters.
“It’s always hard to walk away from a project, and this decision is not a reflection of the team’s talent, tenacity, or passion they have for the game,” Miele wrote.
The studio stressed its commitment to the Jedi franchise. Miele said EA would continue to develop a third installment in its Jedi: Fallen Order series. EA also recently announced it is working on an open-world Iron Man game as the company leans into its licensing deal with Disney.
The job cuts come amid a wave of recent layoffs across the video game industry. Major publishers like Microsoft, Sony, and Unity have trimmed staff along with EA in recent weeks. The studio hopes this restructuring will set it up for future success.



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