“Morale Has Been Terrible” - EA Workers Criticise Publisher’s Cost-Cutting After Latest Layoffs
Electronic Arts announced a major round of layoffs affecting approximately 400 employees, with the shutdown of legendary RPG studio BioWare representing a particularly significant casualty. The closure marks a notable loss within the gaming industry, as BioWare has been a cornerstone developer for EA’s portfolio.
In the week following the announcement, current and former EA employees came forward anonymously to discuss their experiences at the publisher, speaking to Vertical Slice about the company’s cost-cutting measures. Their accounts paint a troubling picture of workplace conditions, with workers describing terrible morale directly tied to aggressive cost-reduction strategies. The testimonies reference broader concerns about corporate mismanagement and what employees characterize as corporate greed prioritized over workforce welfare and employee retention.
The layoffs underscore growing tensions within the video game industry regarding publisher priorities, as financial efficiency increasingly takes precedence over workforce stability and creative development. BioWare’s closure carries implications not only for the 400-plus displaced employees but also for the future of the studio’s franchises and ongoing projects. The situation highlights the human cost of industry consolidation and cost-cutting decisions, with workplace morale suffering as companies pursue financial targets. The anonymous employee testimonies suggest concerns extend beyond immediate job losses to encompass the broader corporate culture and direction of the company.