Electronic Arts (EA) recently announced significant changes, including the cancellation of a Star Wars game, the closure of a studio, and layoffs affecting 5% of its workforce. These moves signal a strategic shift for the gaming giant.

The most notable cancellation is Respawn Entertainment’s Star Wars first-person shooter. This decision comes alongside a renewed focus on established franchises wholly owned by EA, suggesting a move away from developing games based on licensed intellectual property. Respawn, however, will continue its work on the popular Jedi Fallen Order series and the live-service title Apex Legends.

Further reflecting this strategy, EA closed Ridgeline Games, the studio responsible for developing single-player campaigns for the Battlefield franchise. Though single-player experiences remain planned for future Battlefield titles, they will be led by a different team, potentially indicating a shift in the approach and structure.

The company also announced layoffs impacting 5% of its global workforce across various departments. While specific reasons haven’t been publicly disclosed, the move aligns with the broader restructuring efforts and potentially signifies a response to financial pressures.

EA emphasizes a renewed focus on “owned IP, sports, and massive online communities,” suggesting prioritized investment in franchises like FIFA, Madden, and Apex Legends. This shift could have broad implications, potentially limiting player choice in the future and impacting the overall variety of games offered by the company.

While these decisions aim to streamline operations and potentially bolster financial performance, they also come with challenges. The layoffs affect hundreds of employees, and the strategic shift away from licensed properties and single-player experiences might not resonate with all players.

The long-term success of EA’s new direction remains to be seen, but these recent changes undoubtedly mark a significant point of transition for the company and the gaming industry it operates in.