Originally announced back at Gamescom 2022, dark historical fantasy RPG Wyrdsong’s developer, Something Wicked Games, seems to be the most recent studio to suffer mass layoffs.
29.02.2024 - 10:31 / techradar.com / Andrew Wilson / Laura Miele / Marcus Lehto
Electronics Arts (EA) has confirmed plans to lay off around five percent of its staff, move away from developing future licensed games it doesn't think will be successful, and begin “winding down Ridgeline as a standalone studio.”
In a statement shared with employees, CEO Andrew Wilson announced: “We are streamlining our company operations to deliver deeper, more connected experiences for fans everywhere that build community, shape culture, and grow fandom.
“In this time of change, we expect these decisions to impact approximately five percent of our workforce. I understand this will create uncertainty and be challenging for many who have worked with such dedication and passion and have made important contributions to our company,” he continued. “While not every team will be impacted, this is the hardest part of these changes, and we have deeply considered every option to try and limit impacts to our teams.”
Wilson stated that it’s hoped many of those affected will be able to “find new roles and paths to transition onto other projects,” while others will be supported and treated with “the utmost attention, care, and respect.”
One EA studio facing significant changes is Ridgeline Games, which was focused on creating “narrative experiences” for Battlefield. In a separate message from the president of EA entertainment, technology, and central development, Laura Miele, it was confirmed that following the departure of former leader Marcus Lehto, who recently decided to leave the company, new leadership has been appointed at Criterion. In addition, EA is “winding down Ridgeline as a standalone studio in Seattle, with some team members joining Ripple Effect.”
Miele added: “They'll continue to work with teams across DICE, Ripple, and Criterion as they build the next Battlefield experience.”
As part of the changes to the company, EA is also “sunsetting games and moving away from development of future licensed IP that we do not believe will be successful in our changing industry.” Wilson explained that the company believes this will “drive creativity, accelerate innovation, and double down on our biggest opportunities” with things such as sports, EA-owned IP, and their communities.
We’re already aware of one of the games that has been affected by this change in strategy: a first-person shooter (FPS) Star Wars action game developed by Respawn Entertainment. Miele stated that gamers are “most excited” about Respawn’s existing library of brands, as well as its Star Wars Jedi games, which influenced the decision to move away from the FPS. Focus will instead be placed on “new projects based on our owned brands while providing support for existing games.”
Miele said: “It's always hard to walk away from a project, and this
Originally announced back at Gamescom 2022, dark historical fantasy RPG Wyrdsong’s developer, Something Wicked Games, seems to be the most recent studio to suffer mass layoffs.
The former director of a new Battlefield game has criticised EA, after he recently left the company and saw the studio he co-founded closed.
Star Wars Jedi series and God of War III director Stig Asmussen has announced the establishment of Giant Skull, a new game studio dedicated to building “gameplay-driven, story immersed action–adventure games set in captivating worlds.” It is currently working on a AAA single-player-focused action adventure game built on Unreal Engine 5.
EA is the latest game company to announce layoffs, with 5% of its workforce to be made redundant. From the most recent headcount EA provided – 13,400 in March 2023 – that would amount to around 670 people.
With the cancellation of Respawn Entertainment’s Star Wars first-person shooter, reportedly based on The Mandalorian, more details about the project have emerged courtesy of Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson. It was noted to be “fantastic” from developer and playtest feedback, but Electronic Arts felt it was “too much of a financial risk.”
Electronic Arts has announced a restructuring plan that will see it lay off approximately 5% of its global workforce.
EA has confirmed they are closing Ridgeline Games.
EA is the latest game company to announce layoffs, with 5% of its workforce to be made redundant. From the most recent headcount EA provided – 13,400 in March 2023 – that would amount to around 670 people.
In yet another chapter of the seemingly unending layoff news, Electronic Arts (EA) announced it's laying off 5% of its employees, amounting to around 670 people.
Electronic Arts has closed Ridgeline Games, the studio formed in 2021 to work on a future Battlefield single-player game.
With Electronic Arts joining an ever-growing list of companies being hit with layoffs and announcing a 5% reduction in its workforce, the full ramifications of how that will affect individual projects and studios within the company are also being clearer.
Electronic Arts has announced that it’s laying off roughly 670 people, and as you might imagine, a number of studios owned by the company are set to be impacted. One of the more severe cases is Ridgeline Games, which is being shuttered entirely. This follows the studio’s head and narrative director Marcus Lehto recently announcing his departure.