You know the gaming industry may be in deeper trouble than expected when one of its largest publishers – namely, Electronic Arts - is looking to cut 1,000 jobs by the end of the Fiscal Year.
EA states that these cuts will save the company roughly USD 120 million dollars over the course of the next year. That's quite the lot sum of cash for 1,000 people. This 10 percent decrease in employees is 4 percent more than the company had originally announced.
On top of the people heading into unemployment, the company is expected to cut or consolidate at least 9 development and publishing studios as well. Among the first studios to receive this treatment is Need for Speed developer EA Black Box, which will be consolidated and moved over to one EA’s British Columbia studios.
While we support the idea of cutting a rapidly waning franchise, it's disheartening to watch so many people cut loose in a time of recession. However, it is good to know that EA plans to focus more on their hit titles than anything else, leaving gamers with a lot better options to spend their hard earned cash on.
"EA is implementing a plan to narrow its product portfolio to focus on hit games with higher margin opportunities. The company remains committed to taking creative risks, investing in new games, leading the industry in the growing mobile and online businesses, and delivering high-quality games to consumers."
Comments