Electronic Arts has begun a significant restructuring following its recent acquisition, announcing plans to lay off 400 employees and cancel the next installment in the Mass Effect series. The publisher is shifting its focus to core franchises, international markets, and new sports-related ventures.
In an internal email, EA leadership outlined three strategic priorities: focusing on successful existing IPs, expanding into new player bases, particularly in Asia, and creating novel ways for fans to engage with its sports titles. This pivot involves reallocating resources away from projects deemed less critical to concentrate on areas identified for growth. The company aims to be the leading publisher in Western HD gaming, a position it asserts it currently holds.
Games Moving Forward
EA confirmed continued investment and development in several key franchises. These include the Battlefield series, with more installments planned, and a heavy focus on the live-service shooter Apex Legends. A new shooter from DICE and Respawn, reportedly Star Wars Battlefront 3, is also in development, alongside Star Wars Jedi 3. Other confirmed titles include Marvel's Iron Man, EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA) and its associated annual sports franchises, a new open-world football game dubbed "Project Gridiron," the return of the Fight Night series, "Project Evergreen" for The Sims, and more Skate titles.
Project Cancellations and Restructuring
The most high-profile casualty is the upcoming Mass Effect game, which has been canceled. This decision is also tied to the closure of BioWare, the studio behind the acclaimed RPG series, after approximately 30 years. The BioWare team working on the canceled Mass Effect project reportedly comprised about 50 individuals. Additionally, EA is scaling back its operations for the Skate franchise. While the game has seen success in player engagement, the studio will be restructured into a smaller, more focused team to manage a defined roadmap for long-term community support and business sustainability.
Development on "Project Lotus" for The Sims has been paused. Maxis, the studio responsible for The Sims, will instead concentrate on "Project Evergreen." This move is intended to provide the team with additional time to fully realize the game's potential and vision. EA stated that these decisions are made to ensure that chosen projects have the best chance of success for their players and fans worldwide.
These organizational changes and project cancellations are occurring amidst a period of significant financial transition for EA. The company recently underwent a leveraged buyout, reportedly the largest in history, financed by Saudi Arabia. Bloomberg previously reported that EA had committed to substantial annual cost-cutting measures, including significant organizational efficiencies, to service the debt incurred from the acquisition. The recent layoffs and project shifts appear to be part of these efforts to meet financial obligations.