Even a best-selling game can’t save employees from layoffs.
Electronic Arts has reportedly laid off an undisclosed number of staff across its Battlefield Studios, comprising Criterion, DICE, Ripple Effect, and Motive Studio.
According to IGN, those affected were informed that the layoffs are part of a “realignment” across the Battlefield studios. While the cuts targeted a number of individuals, all four studios will continue to operate and provide live service support for Battlefield 6.
“We’ve made select changes within our Battlefield organisation to better align our teams around what matters most to our community,” EA 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.”
EA’s decision to cut staff from Battlefield Studios came as a surprise, especially given the game’s latest instalment recording a strong launch. Battlefield 6, the eighteenth instalment in the long-running franchise, sold more than seven million units within three days of its release last October. It surpassed major titles such as Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Ghost of Yotei that month, and later became the best-selling game of 2025 in the United States.
Battlefield 6’s declining state may have led to layoffs
However, there may be several factors behind EA’s decision to restructure its Battlefield operations. Despite the game’s impressive launch–which saw more than 700,000 players hit it on Steam–Battlefield 6 now records a significantly smaller player base. Steam Charts shows the game averaging players in the tens of thousands, with its most recent 24-hour peak barely reaching 50,000.
While the full player count is unclear as the game is also available on consoles, the drop-off is still significant enough to suggest a decline in popularity.
The game has also received worsening feedback in recent months. Its Steam review rating has shifted from “Mostly Positive” at launch to “Mixed”, following backlash over the Battlefield Redsec launch event, aggressive monetisation, and underwhelming battle pass rewards.
The situation worsened three months ago when players spotted suspected AI-generated stickers in cosmetic packs, leading to further review bombing.
Some also drew connections between the Battlefield 6 layoffs and the ongoing US$55 billion buyout of EA by a group of investors led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). The deal is expected to place EA in a US$20 billion debt, prompting speculation that the company may be cutting costs to ease future financial pressure. However, EA has denied that the layoffs are related to the acquisition, IGN noted.
