EA cutting jobs at Battlefield studios after game's biggest launch ever

Electronic Arts has laid off staff across all four studios working on the Battlefield franchise, according to people familiar with the matter. The cuts affect teams at DICE, Criterion, Ripple Effect, and Motive Studios, despite Battlefield 6 being the best-selling game in the United States in 2025. As reported by IGN, employees are being told the layoffs are part of a "realignment" to better support the game's live service operations.

Record sales couldn't prevent studio cuts

The layoffs present a stark contrast to Battlefield 6's commercial success. The game sold 7 million copies in its first three days and marked the franchise's best launch ever. It dominated 2025 sales charts in the US and received positive reviews for its multiplayer component.

However, the months following launch have proven challenging. Steam concurrent player numbers have plummeted from a peak of 747,440 players to typically tens of thousands daily. Yesterday's peak reached just 67,000 players on Valve's platform, though the game remains available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

"We've made select changes within our Battlefield organization to better align our teams around what matters most to our community," an EA spokesperson told IGN. "Battlefield remains one of our biggest priorities, and we're continuing to invest in the franchise, guided by player feedback and insights from Battlefield Labs."

What went wrong after launch?

Despite strong initial sales, Battlefield 6 has struggled to maintain momentum. Steam reviews have declined from "Mostly Positive" at launch to "Mixed" three months later. Players have criticised heavy monetisation, the use of generative AI for cosmetics, and fewer content updates than expected.

The criticism became severe enough that EA delayed Season 2's start to implement community feedback. The company recently published a three-month roadmap addressing player concerns, but the damage to player sentiment appears significant.

The free-to-play battle royale spin-off Redsec has faced even harsher reception, earning "Mostly Negative" recent reviews on Steam.

Industry context and timing concerns

The layoffs come during a period of significant change for EA. The publisher is preparing for a $55 billion acquisition by an investor group led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, alongside Silver Lake and Affinity Partners.

While EA internally states the layoffs are unrelated to the acquisition, the timing raises questions about restructuring ahead of new ownership. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of the 2027 financial year.

These cuts also follow the unexpected death of Battlefield franchise head Vince Zampella in a car accident earlier this year, adding further disruption to the franchise's leadership structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did EA lay off staff from Battlefield studios?

EA stated the layoffs are part of a 'realignment' to better support the live service of Battlefield 6, guided by player feedback and community insights from Battlefield Labs.

Which studios were affected by the EA Battlefield layoffs?

Layoffs impacted all four Battlefield development studios: DICE, Criterion, Ripple Effect, and Motive Studios. All studios remain operational despite the cuts.

How successful was Battlefield 6's launch?

Battlefield 6 was the best-selling game in the U.S. in 2025 and had a record-breaking launch, selling 7 million copies in three days - the franchise's best launch ever.

Are the Battlefield layoffs related to EA's acquisition?

EA internally states the layoffs are unrelated to its pending $55 billion acquisition by Saudi Arabia's PIF and partners, though the timing has raised industry speculation.

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