EA Announces Major Restructuring Including BioWare Closure and Job Cuts
- EA is shutting down BioWare and cutting 400 jobs company-wide.
- Development of The Sims project “Project Lotus” is paused to focus on “Project Evergreen.”
- Respawn and DICE studios will collaborate on a future project together.
Electronic Arts (EA) has revealed significant changes to its operations, including the closure of BioWare, the studio behind renowned franchises like Mass Effect and Dragon Age. The company’s decision comes alongside plans to eliminate approximately 400 jobs across various departments, with about 50 of these cuts affecting BioWare specifically. This restructuring is part of a broader cost-cutting initiative.
In a memo to staff, which was later made public, CEO David Tinson and CSO Cam Weber expressed gratitude to employees before addressing the potential job losses. They noted, “Today, we’re the number one publisher in Western HD gaming,” acknowledging the company’s leadership position while emphasizing the rapid changes within the gaming industry.
Regarding The Sims, EA is focusing on a new initiative called “Project Evergreen.” To concentrate resources on this effort, development on another title, “Project Lotus,” will be paused. The latest Skate reboot, known as skate., has reportedly been successful, but the studio will undergo restructuring to form a smaller, more focused team.
While Marvel’s Iron Man game and a third Star Wars Jedi installment remain unaffected, EA plans to limit the number of large-scale action-adventure projects in the future. The executives stated, “Beyond that, we will concentrate our efforts on fewer simultaneous, large-scale projects, ensuring that every game we build in this space is fully set up for success.”
EA reaffirmed its commitment to its established franchises, including Apex Legends and the Battlefield series, following the success of Battlefield 6. Furthermore, the company announced a merger between Respawn and DICE to collaborate on a future project, prompting speculation about a possible sequel to Star Wars: Battlefront.
EA Sports remains a key focus for the publisher, which is committed to its football simulation brand, FC. The company also plans to unveil two new projects in the coming months: the return of Fight Night and a new social-first open-world game called “Project Gridiron” focused on American football.
Tinson and Weber concluded the memo by stating, “The decisions we’re making in our priorities, how we work, and with our portfolio reflect our belief in EA’s future,” reiterating their commitment to support affected employees in exploring alternative opportunities within the company. Earlier this summer, EA was taken private by a consortium of investment firms led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in a deal valued at approximately $55 billion.
News Courtesy of Eurogamer
