Electronic Arts (EA) has announced the cancellation of an upcoming Star Wars game and the layoff of approximately 670 employees, which accounts for 5% of its workforce globally. The game, a first-person shooter set in the Star Wars universe, was in early development. EA stated that the restructuring is aimed at providing fans with deeper and more connected gaming experiences.
This move reflects a trend of job cuts in the gaming industry, with EA also announcing layoffs at UK developer Codemasters. The company’s CEO, Andrew Wilson, explained that they will be focusing on developing fewer new titles and moving away from projects that are not expected to be successful in the changing industry landscape.
The decision to cancel the Star Wars game being developed by subsidiary Respawn Entertainment was also mentioned. This move was made to prioritize projects that players are most excited about, such as the Jedi series. The layoffs at EA are part of a broader trend in the gaming industry, with companies like Microsoft and Sony also announcing significant job cuts.
Industry experts suggest that these layoffs reflect the increasing competition and maturation of the gaming industry. Despite the challenges, the industry is still projected to grow significantly in the coming years.
