Following shock BioWare closure, scope of EA job cuts becomes clear as layoffs hit Respawn, Maxis, Full Circle, EA Motive, and more
EA announced a major round of layoffs affecting 400 employees across the publisher on October 21, 2026. The most significant impact was the complete closure of BioWare, the legendary RPG studio behind the Mass Effect and Dragon Age franchises, affecting approximately 50 of the studio’s employees.
However, BioWare represents only a portion of the cuts. The layoffs extend across multiple major EA studios, including Maxis (developer of The Sims), Ripple Effect (Battlefield support studio), Full Circle (Skate developer), and EA Motive. The remaining 350 job cuts are distributed among these studios, though EA has not specified the exact number of positions eliminated at each location.
The publisher justified the cuts as necessary to create a “very clear roadmap” and establish a “healthier and more sustainable business.” Despite this framing, the layoffs have raised concerns about the viability of several high-profile franchises. Skate, which recently made a comeback after years away, is now facing uncertainty about its future development following the staffing cuts at Full Circle.
The announcement marks one of the most significant layoff waves in EA’s recent history, affecting beloved franchises that collectively represent decades of gaming history. Developers across the impacted studios have begun sharing news of their job losses on social media, highlighting the human cost of the publisher’s restructuring efforts.