Devastating News for Gamers and Developers Alike: EA’s Latest Layoffs Shake the Industry
In a move that’s sure to spark debate, Electronic Arts (EA) has once again made headlines with layoffs affecting its Burnaby-based studio, Full Circle. But here’s where it gets controversial—this isn’t just any studio; it’s the team behind Skate, one of EA’s newest and most beloved games. The announcement, shared in a heartfelt update to fans on Wednesday, February 25, has left many wondering: What does this mean for the future of the game and the people who built it?
Full Circle, an AAA game development studio founded in 2021 as part of EA’s network, has been at the forefront of innovation with Skate. According to their LinkedIn profile, the studio employs between 51 and 200 people, all dedicated to bringing the game to life. Since its early access launch in September, Skate has captivated tens of millions of players worldwide. Yet, despite this success, the studio is now reshaping its team structure, a decision that will inevitably impact several roles. And this is the part most people miss—while EA frames this as a necessary step to support Skate’s long-term future, it raises questions about the stability of the gaming industry and the human cost of corporate restructuring.
In their statement, Full Circle emphasized, ‘We’re reshaping Full Circle to better support Skate’s long-term future. These shifts mean making changes to our team structure, and some roles will be impacted.’ They also acknowledged the talent and dedication of the affected team members, stating, ‘Their creativity and dedication are deeply ingrained in what players experience today. This decision is not a reflection of their impact, and we’re committed to supporting them through this transition.’ But is this enough to ease the blow for those who poured their hearts into the game?
The layoffs have already hit home, with several developers taking to LinkedIn to share their stories. One former employee wrote, ‘I’ve been impacted by the layoffs at Full Circle. If your team needs an Environment Artist and Designer with 9 years of experience, I’m looking for work.’ Another shared, ‘Unfortunately, today was my last day at Full Circle. If you are looking for a passionate and creative 3D artist, please reach out.’ These personal accounts highlight the human side of corporate decisions, leaving us to wonder: How many more talented individuals will be left in the lurch as EA continues to restructure?
This isn’t the first time EA has made headlines for layoffs. In 2025, hundreds were impacted when massive cuts hit EA Sports and Respawn. The year before, the company announced layoffs affecting roughly 5% of its workforce. And in 2023, EA conducted mass layoffs at BioWare, a move the company described as an ‘extremely difficult day.’ With such a pattern, it’s hard not to ask: Is this a sign of deeper issues within the company, or simply the harsh reality of the gaming industry?
Controversial Question: Are EA’s frequent layoffs a necessary evil for innovation, or a symptom of a broken system? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!
