Electronic Arts (EA), a gaming industry giant, is streamlining its operations by canceling an upcoming Star Wars game and laying off approximately 670 employees, representing 5% of its global workforce. This move comes amidst a wave of job cuts sweeping across the gaming industry, raising concerns about the sector’s future stability.
The canceled title, a first-person shooter set in the Star Wars universe, was in early development. While EA assures that this decision aims to deliver “deeper, more connected experiences for fans,” it reflects a broader trend in the industry: focusing on established franchises and proven successful genres.
This announcement follows EA’s earlier decision to lay off staff at Codemasters, the developers behind popular racing games like F1 23 and EA Sports WRC. CEO Andrew Wilson explains that the company is prioritizing existing strengths and intellectual properties (IPs) while moving away from “licensed IP that we do not believe will be successful in our changing industry.”
This shift in strategy has led to the cancellation of the Star Wars title by subsidiary Respawn Entertainment, creators of the well-received Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. While the decision is praised for its focus on aligning with player preferences, it highlights the potential risks faced by smaller projects and ventures.
EA’s job cuts are just the latest in a series of similar announcements within the gaming industry. Earlier in 2024, Microsoft and Sony, other major players, revealed plans to lay off 1,900 and 900 employees respectively.
While some express concern about the impact on talented individuals, industry analysts like Karol Severin from Midia Research view the situation as a sign of the industry’s evolution. He stresses that while the sector navigates “a new, more mature chapter,” its financial strength remains considerable, with an estimated value of $223 billion and projected growth of $78 billion by 2030.
However, the wave of job cuts raises questions about the direction of the gaming industry. Experts like Rich Barham, a former Blizzard executive, highlight the risk of losing talent due to funding challenges and the potential long-term impact on the industry’s creative landscape.
In conclusion, EA’s news of layoffs and cancellations reflects a shift in the gaming industry’s priorities. While the industry remains financially robust, the recent string of job cuts and project closures raises concerns about its overall stability and the future prospects for smaller studios and unproven ventures. As with any evolving industry, the coming years will be crucial in determining how the gaming industry navigates these challenges and adapts to this new chapter.
