• Posted April 26th, 2012 at 05:46 EDT by Michael Harradence

Publishing giant Electronic Arts has confirmed that a ‘very small number’ of layoffs will hit its Montreal studio this week.

A spokesperson for EA corporate communications told GI International that the layoffs come as part of “routine changes” in light of a refocus on digital initiatives, such as mobile and social projects.

"EA Montreal is reorganizing some teams to focus on digital initiatives, including new mobile and social projects," said the firm.

"These are routine changes which address the cyclical nature of the game industry. A very small number of employees will be impacted - many will be assigned to new projects at EA, others will leave the company."

"Overall, we expect that EA's headcount will be up at the end of this year."

Around 50 employees are claimed to have been affected by the move, though it should be noted not all will depart the company.

EA Montreal has recently been attached to a new instalment in the Army of Two series using DICE’s acclaimed Frostbite 2 engine.

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