Electronic Arts is undergoing a major internal shakeup, announcing today in a message from CEO Andrew Wilson that it is realigning its major studios and its leadership structure in an effort to “empower our creative teams.”
The reorganization includes splitting EA Games and EA Sports, with the former being renamed “EA Entertainment” in a signal that EA intends to expand beyond games where possible.
“We’re building the future of interactive entertainment on a foundation of legendary franchises and innovative new experiences, which represents massive opportunities for growth,” Wilson wrote in a message announcing the news.
We’re building the future of interactive entertainment on a foundation of legendary franchises and innovative new experiences, which represents massive opportunities for growth
Laura Miele, previously EA’s Chief Operating Officer, will take over as EA President of Entertainment, Technology, and Central Development at EA Entertainment, where she will work closely with Vince Zampella and other well-known executives. Cam Weber, who rose out of EA’s football games, will continue to lead EA Sports. Both will enjoy expanded control over their respective labels intended to give them more oversight over budgets and decision-making flexibility.
Wilson will continue to preside over both organizations as EA’s CEO. The moves coincide with news that Chief Experiences Officer Chris Bruzzo is retiring, with EA Chief Financial Officer Chris Suh also departing the company. David Tinson and Stuart Canfield respectively will take over their responsibilities.
EA’s big reorganization
The moves are the latest in what has been a major reorganization for EA. Earlier this month, EA announced that Star Wars: The Old Republic will be moving to a third-party developer, with many of its developers being given the opportunity to move elsewhere in the company. It’s unclear whether the current reorganization will result in layoffs.
As before, EA Sports will continue to look after the F1 series, which just releases, as well as PGA Tour and the newly-acquired Super Mega Baseball. This is on top of traditional blockbusters including Madden, the newly-renamed EA Sports FC, NHL, and the upcoming College Football reboot.
EA Entertainment, meanwhile, will encompass Respawn, DICE, Ripple Effect, Ridgeline Games (Battlefield), Full Circle (Skate), Motive Studio (Iron Man), EA’s Seattle studio, BioWare, and the EA Originals label. EA also includes numerous mobile games, including Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes and the recently-released Lord of the Rings: Heroes of Middle-earth.
While dramatic on the face of it, much of the current structure will remain intact, with Zampella continuing to lead Respawn and Battlefield. Samantha Ryan will likewise continue to be in charge of BioWare, Maxis, Full Circle, and Motive Studios. Apart from giving studios leaders more control over their respective domains, the big change appears to be centered on separating out EA Sports, which continues to be EA’s biggest profit driver. EA’s soccer sims in particular continue to be major money machines for EA, with FIFA 23 pushing the publisher near $2 billion in net bookings.
“Over the coming months, Stuart, Laura, Cam, and David will partner closely with studio leaders to implement these organizational changes, further embedding dedicated capabilities into franchise teams and driving operational rigor,” Wilson wrote, claiming that “EA’s business remains strong.”
EA recently released Jedi Survivor, which quickly became a top-selling game amid solid reviews. It is also planning to release Immortals of Aveum, the new magic FPS by Ascendant Studios, which earlier today was delayed to add more “PC functionality.” It’s expected to release on August 22.
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Chris Bruzzo as David Bruzzo. The story has been updated and IGN regrets the error.
Kat Bailey is IGN’s News Director as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.
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