Fight Night Returns, Open-World Football Game in the Works, EA Says
Following the layoff of about 400 people, Electronic Arts has outlined the franchises it will focus on.
In case you missed it
In case you missed it
Following the news that Electronic Arts will lay off 400 workers, including 50 from BioWare, the studio behind Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and the Baldur's Gate games, which is being shut down, the company published a message outlining plans for its franchises.
In an email from Chief Studios Officer Cam Weber and Chief Operating Officer David Tinson, addressed to the company's employees and shared publicly on EA's website, the company said that it had taken a "hard look at [its] business" and "made deliberate choices in order to deliver exceptional experiences for our players and to drive sustained growth."
"Today, we're the number one publisher in Western HD gaming. That's an extraordinary position to lead from, and one we should be proud of. Yet our industry is changing quickly. Players have more choices than ever for their time and attention, competition is intensifying, and some of our biggest opportunities for growth are beyond the markets, platforms, and business models where EA has traditionally been the strongest," the email reads.
According to the announcement, Electronic Arts is focusing on three strategic priorities. The first is to "say no" to some of its projects and focus on its "biggest opportunities." The second is to expand the company's reach across platforms, business models, and markets, such as Asia. The third is to create interactive entertainment experiences, with a focus on EA's "relationships in sports."
Battlefield Studios, Electronic Arts
Battlefield remains a key franchise, with EA bringing Respawn and DICE together on a new project. The company will continue to invest in Apex through new multiplayer modes and experiences. EA will also continue developing Marvel's Iron Man and the next Star Wars Jedi game, while working on fewer large-scale action-adventure projects.
Respawn Entertainment, Electronic Arts
BioWare's early development on Mass Effect is being discontinued, and the studio and its Edmonton office are closing.
EA SPORTS will continue investing in FC and its broader portfolio. There are two new projects in development, with details to be revealed in the next few months: a brand-new, social-first open-world experience for EA's American football portfolio, called Project Gridiron, and a new entry in the Fight Night boxing franchise, whose latest installment was in 2011. The new game is now in pre-production.
EA CANADA, EA Romania
As for the lifestyle games, Electronic Arts will keep developing its long-running The Sims series alongside its open-world online multiplayer skateboarding game skate. EA is making changes to the skateboarding game's developer, Full Circle, "to have a more focused, smaller team." Kotaku pointed out that some developers have already reported layoffs on LinkedIn.
The company will also focus on The Sims title codenamed Project Evergreen and pause development on Project Lotus.
Further details on the restructuring are expected at EA's Global Town Hall in November.
Full Circle, Electronic Arts
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