Electronic Arts launches new round of layoffs

Electronic Arts (EA) has begun a new wave of staff reductions that affect several divisions within the company. According to industry source Destin Legarie, the initial round is relatively small, with affected employees already receiving termination notices. The cuts follow a previous reduction in March that targeted the Battlefield franchise team.

The layoffs are occurring as EA prepares for a pending $55 billion acquisition by a consortium that includes Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Affinity Partners and Silver Lake Partners. The deal, approved by shareholders in December, still requires regulatory clearance and would add significant debt to EA’s balance sheet. Industry observers note that the moves reflect a broader trend of cost‑cutting in the gaming sector amid rising development costs and the increasing role of artificial intelligence.

The reductions are expected to continue, with further rounds potentially impacting additional departments as the company reshapes its structure ahead of the acquisition.