EA Layoffs 2026: Sims Project Axe & 400 Job Cuts [Confirmed]

Electronic Arts has confirmed plans to lay off approximately 400 employees across its international studios, simultaneously cancelling an unannounced The Sims project and downsizing the Skate development team as the publisher redirects core resources toward premier blockbuster franchises and live-service operations. According to verified reports from Eurogamer, this sweeping internal reorganization follows closely behind previous structural shifts detailed in [EA Layoffs: Respawn, Motive, Maxis Cut After BioWare [Confirmed]](/news/ea-layoffs-respawn-motive-bioware-impact). Electronic Arts chief executive leadership described the move as a strategic realignment to maintain its position as Western high-definition gaming's top publisher, shifting talent toward heavy hitters like the EA Sports portfolio and major action shooters. The restructuring directly impacts Full Circle, the Vancouver-based studio steering the upcoming free-to-play Skate reboot, alongside satellite creative groups working on conceptual Sims expansions. Crucially, EA confirmed plans to foster tighter operational synergy between Respawn Entertainment and DICE, fueling industry reports surrounding future tactical shooters, including the rumored [Star Wars Battlefront 3: DICE and Respawn Team Up [Leak]](/news/star-wars-battlefront-3-respawn-dice-349). While frontline live-service updates for Apex Legends remain fully funded, the cuts signal an aggressive corporate mandate to eliminate speculative pre-production ventures in favor of battle-tested, high-margin competitive ecosystems.