Legendary game designer Warren Spector has voiced strong criticism against EA's executive compensation following the recent closure of BioWare. Spector, who previously expressed unhappiness over the decision, stated he remains so, finding the situation emotionally impactful.
He directly challenges the notion that closing BioWare was a sound business decision, refuting the idea that the studio's best days were behind it. Spector argues that executive decisions, such as misreading the market or poor game funding and marketing, should carry consequences for those in leadership positions, questioning whether they face any repercussions comparable to developer layoffs. "Is there any accountability left in this world? Obviously not," Spector wrote on LinkedIn.
Spector highlighted substantial annual payouts to top EA executives, contrasting them with the widespread layoffs impacting game developers. He cited figures such as Andrew Wilson's $38.65 million, Laura Miele's $13.7 million, and Stuart Canfield's $11.3 million, questioning the justification for such compensation when "tens of thousands of do-ers and makers are out of work."
His comments come after Spector announced his own retirement from game development in August. This followed the release of his last project, Thick as Thieves, which, despite its perceived charm, did not meet sales expectations, leading to layoffs at his studio.