EA will lay off 6% of its staff to gain more focus in the uncertain economy

Andrew Wilson, CEO of Electronic Arts, said the company is laying off 6% of its staff to gain more focus. The move is likely to affect hundreds of people.

Wilson said the company is still going strong in an employee feature today. EA had about 12,900 people around this time last year.

“As we focus our portfolio, we are moving away from projects that do not contribute to our strategy, we are reviewing our real estate footprint and we are restructuring some of our teams. These decisions are expected to affect approximately six percent of our company’s workforce,” said Wilson.

He added: “This is the hardest part and we go through the process with the utmost care and respect. Where we can, we offer our colleagues the opportunity to transfer to other projects. Where that is not possible, we offer severance pay and additional benefits such as health care and career guidance.”

He said EA began making and communicating these decisions earlier this quarter and he expects them to continue early next fiscal year. EA’s fiscal year ends on March 31.

Wilson said the company has growing games in FIFA 23, Apex Legends and The Sims. EA also scrapped about 200 playtesters in February.

“Even amid macro uncertainty, EA is operating from a position of strength,” he said. “Our business is gaining momentum as we continue to deliver high-quality games and great content across some of the biggest, most-loved franchises in the world.”

Wilson tried to keep a positive vibe with his post.

“We are leaders in a dynamic industry with new audiences, new technology and new media trends that are fundamentally changing the world around us,” he wrote. “This level of transformation creates powerful opportunities. Now more than ever, we need to focus on our strategic priorities: building games and experiences that entertain massive online communities; creating blockbuster interactive stories; and enhancing the power of community in and around our games with social and creative tools. These priorities align our investments with opportunities to make the greatest impact.”

Wilson said he expressed deep appreciation to EA employees and he said the company is “focused on writing our next great chapter by bringing more great games to more people around the world – inspiring them to create a build community, participate in shared fandom and joyful experiences.”