EA layoffs leave staff unsure who was cut, morale very low
Staff testimony reported by Vertical Slice describes confusion after EA's layoffs, announced by internal email following the October 22 business plan.
Staff at Electronic Arts say they are unable to establish exactly who was let go after the company's latest round of layoffs, which were announced by internal email, according to testimony reported by Vertical Slice. Employees describe morale as very poor.
The cuts follow the business plan EA announced on October 22, 2026, which included closing BioWare and cancelling the latest game in the Mass Effect series. Staff across multiple EA studios have publicly announced they were laid off.
According to Vertical Slice, many employees — including some managers — cannot say exactly who was let go. One staff member said they only learned a colleague had been laid off by seeing the colleague's post on LinkedIn.
Reported departures include Anna Huerta, senior creative director of The Sims at Maxis, and John Epler, seasonal creative director of skate. at Full Circle.
Staff also voiced dissatisfaction with the use of generative AI inside the company, and some suspect it is being pushed to see how few employees are needed to develop games. EA has said it will continue work on Marvel's Iron Man and the next STAR WARS Jedi game, and plans joint projects between DICE and Respawn Entertainment.
Pressure after the takeover
In September 2025, EA agreed to be acquired for about $55 billion by a consortium of Saudi Arabia's PIF, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners; the deal completed in August 2026, loading the company with debt and raising expectations of staff cuts to improve efficiency.
Quick answers
Why did EA close BioWare?
EA announced a business plan on October 22, 2026, that includes closing BioWare and cancelling the latest Mass Effect game. The company has not given a further reason in the reported facts.
Which EA projects are continuing?
EA will continue work on Marvel's Iron Man and the next STAR WARS Jedi game, and plans joint projects between DICE and Respawn Entertainment.
Who was reportedly laid off at EA?
Reported departures include Anna Huerta, senior creative director of The Sims at Maxis, and John Epler, seasonal creative director of skate. at Full Circle.