EA to cut 3% of staff, shut BioWare and merge Respawn with DICE for Star Wars sequel
Electronic Arts announced a restructuring that will lay off roughly 3% of its global workforce, close BioWare’s Edmonton studio and combine Respawn and DICE to develop the next Star Wars: Battlefront game.
In a memo to staff, EA presidents Cam Weber and David Tinson outlined a major studio overhaul, citing the need to focus on core franchises and new growth opportunities. The plan calls for layoffs affecting about 400 workers, roughly 3% of the company’s 14,500-strong workforce. BioWare’s Edmonton studio will be closed after EA halted development of a new Mass Effect game, a decision the executives described as difficult.
Respawn and DICE will be merged to collaborate on the next Star Wars: Battlefront installment. EA also reaffirmed its commitment to Battlefield 6, Apex Legends, upcoming Marvel’s Iron Man and Star Wars Jedi releases, and announced new sports initiatives such as Project Gridiron for American football and a revival of Fight Night. In the lifestyle segment, the firm will prioritize The Sims’ Project Evergreen and restructure the Skate studio for a smaller, focused team.
Why it matters
The cuts and studio changes reshape EA's development focus, affecting thousands of jobs and the future of several major game franchises.
In this story
