Layoffs and AI concerns at Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts (EA) employees are describing a climate of fear and anxiety, according to an investigation by the independent media outlet Vertical Slice. The company recently announced the closure of 400 jobs and faces concerns about further layoffs in the coming months.

Financial strain and cost-cutting

The company currently carries $20 billion in debt, and CEO Andrew Wilson is reportedly seeking cost-saving measures, including job cuts. Recent layoffs include the closure of BioWare, which was working on the Mass Effect Universe.

Unclear communication and uncertainty

Employees describe an opaque human resources policy, with management often failing to communicate clearly about layoffs. This has left some managers and workers in the dark about who is being laid off, when, and why.

Impact on workflow and morale

The lack of clear communication creates uncertainty about workflows and responsibilities. One employee noted that colleagues are sometimes laid off without clear internal communication, leaving teams unsure about how to proceed with unfinished tasks.

Limited internal mobility options

While EA offers internal mobility options for laid-off employees, some witnesses say these opportunities are unattractive due to new attendance rules that may be incompatible with some employees' situations or the ongoing threat of further layoffs.

Employee dissatisfaction and AI pressure

The investigation also highlights the rejection of internal positions by some employees, with one stating, "It's a joke. I haven't looked at [internal positions] because I no longer want to work here." The use of generative AI, while not yet mandatory, is described as "strongly promoted" by management.

Morale and operational strain

One employee noted that morale is low, with constant pressure to "do less, do better," while feeling that they are working as hard as before with fewer people. The introduction of AI tools like Claude is seen as a factor in this pressure.

Employee concerns about AI replacement

Employees suggest that EA is testing the limits of how many staff can be laid off and replaced by AI before the company's operations become unstable. Some employees report that while the use of AI tools is not explicitly mandated, the company is making it difficult or impossible to work without them.

Negative workplace perception

One employee described EA as "a dead and cold place that is slowly rotting while our management raids every last cent and leaves us wondering how we will feed our families." Electronic Arts has not yet responded to Vertical Slice's requests for comment.