EA lays off Battlefield developers

Despite Battlefield 6's record sales, EA has initiated layoffs across DICE, Criterion Games, Ripple Effect Studios, and Motive Studio. The exact number of employees affected remains undisclosed, but IGN reports the cuts are part of a "realignment" of the Battlefield studios. EA claims these changes will "better align teams around what matters most to our community" and that they will continue to invest in the Battlefield franchise. An EA spokesperson stated that the company is guided by player feedback and insights from Battlefield Labs. However, Steam reviews for Battlefield 6 have declined from "Mostly Positive" at launch to "Mixed," with criticism focusing on content updates, balance issues, and live-service delivery. This decline in player sentiment may be a contributing factor to the restructuring. These layoffs come shortly after the death of Battlefield leader Vince Zampella in December 2025. They also coincide with EA's pending acquisition by an investor group including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Despite the timing, EA insists the layoffs are unrelated to the acquisition. This move reflects a broader trend of job cuts in the gaming industry during 2026, with similar reductions occurring at Riot Games and Ubisoft's Toronto studio. These cuts are seemingly part of EA's plan to cut costs following a recent acquisition by a consortium of investors in late 2025.