Battlefield layoffs signal troubles for ea amid acquisition uncertainty

EA has quietly begun shedding staff across its Battlefield studios, impacting teams at Criterion, DICE, Ripple Effect, and Motive, according to reports. The moves, framed as a “realignment,” come as the franchise grapples with declining player engagement and a turbulent launch for Battlefield 6.

Layoffs hit key battlefield studios

The exact number of employees affected remains undisclosed, but sources indicate the cuts span various departments and locations. This follows a disappointing post-launch trajectory for Battlefield 6, which initially sold 7 million copies in its first three days, a record for the franchise and the best launch of 2025 in the United States. However, player reception has soured considerably. Criticism over monetization, the use of generative AI in cosmetic items, and a perceived lack of content updates have eroded player enthusiasm, evidenced by a dip in Steam concurrent players from a peak of 747,440 to tens of thousands.

The situation is further complicated by the recent passing of Vince Zampella, the head of the Battlefield franchise, and the pending acquisition of EA by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, valued at approximately $55 billion. While EA maintains the layoffs are unrelated to the acquisition, the timing is undeniably unsettling. The Steam user review score for recent Battlefield titles sits at “Mostly Negative,” a stark contrast to its initial “Mostly Positive” rating.

The free-to-play Battlefield™ 2042 battle royale, Battlefield™ Mobile, is also facing headwinds, with a “Mostly Negative” user review rating. The delay of Battlefield 6's Season 2 indicates a reactive approach to player feedback, but whether it will be enough to salvage the franchise's reputation remains to be seen. EA recently unveiled a three-month update roadmap, but the damage might already be done. The drop in Steam concurrents is a visible indicator of shifting player sentiment, and it’s a trend that EA will need to address swiftly.

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. Got a story tip? Send it to [email protected].