Electronic Arts has revealed a strategic pivot that includes a workforce reduction of about 5 percent and the termination of several projects, including Respawn’s Star Wars shooter, according to the company’s official communications. The changes reflect a broader plan to realign resources toward core strengths and long‑term growth opportunities.
As part of the restructuring, roughly 670 employees will be let go, multiple offices worldwide will close or consolidate, and support for some monetization‑driven services will end. The shift signals a move away from certain live service models in favor of a more focused slate of in‑house titles and enduring IP franchises. EA’s leadership emphasizes that this realignment is aimed at improving efficiency and accelerating progress on flagship projects. — EA press release
The company intends to place greater emphasis on developing games built around its own intellectual property and scale back or pause releases tied to licensed brands. Despite the reorganizational push, work on several high‑profile film collaborations continues, including the three‑film Star Wars project, along with existing commitments tied to Black Panther and Iron Man. At the same time, Respawn’s in‑development Star Wars shooter has been cancelled as part of the broader streamlining. — EA press release
EA also announced the closure of the Ridgeline studio. Some Ridgeline staff will transition to the Ripple Effect studio and join forces with the DICE and Criterion teams to shape the next chapter of the Battlefield franchise. The Battlefield project is being steered by senior leadership, including Vince Zampella and Byron Beede, who will oversee the creative direction and integration across studios. — EA press release
In addition, EA reaffirmed its plans to continue work on the next installment of Mass Effect, while BioWare concentrates its efforts on Dragon Age Dreadwolf as a central priority. This prioritization reflects the company’s commitment to strong single‑player experiences and rich, expansive universes that resonate with long‑time fans. — EA press release
Earlier reporting also noted a strategic move in Russia where a new FIFA successor and EA Sports FC title is expected to fill the football game market once dominated by traditional FIFA branding. This shift underscores EA’s broader localization and brand strategy as it expands its product lineup for diverse audiences across global markets. — EA press release