EA Announces Significant Layoffs at Firemonkeys Studio

Reports indicate that Electronic Arts has laid off a substantial portion of the Firemonkeys Studio team, with up to two-thirds of employees at risk of losing their jobs. This decision is part of a broader restructuring effort by EA, which aims to streamline its operations and focus on core titles. Firemonkeys Studio, based in Melbourne, was previously responsible for providing live service support for several mobile games, including Real Racing 3, Need for Speed: No Limits, and The Sims Freeplay. However, the studio will now concentrate solely on The Sims Freeplay, with other titles being transitioned to EA's India-based studio, Slingshot. The layoffs are the latest in a series of job cuts affecting the gaming industry, with several prominent studios having announced similar reductions in recent months. An EA representative stated that the company is 'constantly transforming to deliver games and services that keep our players engaged, connected, and inspired,' and that the changes to Firemonkeys Studio are intended to support this goal.