Jacob Brown
Electronic Arts (EA) is revoking an upcoming Star Wars game and will lay off 5% of its workers globally- around 670 people.
Introduction:
Electronic Arts (EA) has announced the cancellation of an upcoming Star Wars first-person shooter game that was in early development.
This decision is part of the company’s strategy to streamline operations and focus on delivering more immersive experiences for fans.
The move reflects ongoing challenges in the gaming industry, including job cuts and shifting priorities.
Cancellation of Star Wars Shooter:
The game, which was in its early stages of development, was intended to be a first-person shooter set in the beloved Star Wars universe.
However, EA has decided to cancel the project as part of its efforts to streamline operations and prioritize resources.
Industry Challenges:
The decision to cancel the game comes amidst a challenging time for the gaming industry, with job cuts becoming increasingly common.
Rich Barham, a former executive at Blizzard, expressed concern about the industry losing top talent due to layoffs and funding difficulties faced by new game studios.
Job Cuts at Codemasters:
EA’s announcement follows its decision in December 2023 to lay off staff at UK developer Codemasters, known for racing games such as F1 23 and EA Sports WRC.
These layoffs are expected to be completed by summer, as the company shifts its focus towards fewer new titles.
Focus on Key Opportunities:
EA CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the company’s focus on driving creativity and innovation, doubling down on its biggest opportunities such as owned IP, sports games, and online communities.
This strategic shift involves sunsetting games and moving away from developing future licensed IP that may not align with the company’s vision.
Cancellation Impact:
The cancellation of the Star Wars title being developed by subsidiary Respawn Entertainment, known for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, is a difficult decision.
EA’s entertainment boss Laura Miele emphasized that the cancellation is not a reflection of the team’s talent or passion but rather a strategic realignment of priorities.
Conclusion:
EA’s decision to cancel the Star Wars shooter game reflects the company’s strategic approach to focus resources on key opportunities and deliver the best experiences for players.
While the cancellation may disappoint some fans, it underscores the challenges and evolving priorities within the gaming industry.
