An unflattering portrait of EA: shift towards AI, a lack of transparency from management, and a reluctance to take risks...
, by Thibaut
Electronic Arts’ reputation among gamers has never been particularly positive. Voted the worst American company in 2012 and 2013, the publisher has seen its image deteriorate even further due to an aggressive microtransaction policy, as well as games that lack real creativity and are sold at very high prices despite being released annually.
This view is shared by current and former employees who spoke out shortly after the closure of BioWare and the layoff of 400 people. In a lengthy article published by Vertical Slice, several employees say they simply no longer want to work at EA because conditions have deteriorated so much over the years.
Those interviewed describe a highly opaque company and a massive divide that has widened between management and employees. For example, the publisher does not disclose the identities of those who have been laid off, leaving teams in limbo for several weeks. Furthermore, the announcement of layoffs is typically made during a Zoom meeting with microphones and chat functions muted. Many employees working remotely are even being offered reassignments that require them to be in the office three days a week, something that's nearly impossible to meet due to the significant distance between some employees’ homes and the office.
Morale is reportedly at an all-time low at EA, with management pushing employees to "do less, better" . The use of generative AI is also strongly encouraged, with executives reportedly repeating over and over that "this is the future, you have to get on board." The goal is to reduce payroll costs. It will come as no surprise, but management is now refusing to take risks in order to secure its financial stability. Sports games, online services, and major franchises are now being prioritized.
Finally, regarding BioWare, EA is said to have constantly tried to steer the studio away from its preferred direction (making RPGs with companions, consequences for actions, etc.) in favor of online services and multiplayer. One employee stated that "A lot of money got wasted going down these roads that didn't lead anywhere." The studio’s management is said to have "slowly degraded" with "never a desire to do anything interesting". Executives relied on market research to guide projects in development.
Electronic Arts, of course, declined to comment.
Source: verticalslice.news