Electronic Arts (EA) has made a significant move in the gaming industry by announcing the closure of Ridgeline Games, a studio that played a major role in developing the Battlefield franchise. This decision is part of EA’s broader restructuring effort, which includes laying off approximately 5% of its workforce.
Ridgeline Games, founded in 2021 and led by industry veteran Marcus Lehto, was instrumental in creating the narrative and character elements for the Battlefield series. However, following Lehto’s departure from the company last month, EA has decided to shut down Ridgeline Games, resulting in a large number of layoffs within the studio.
The closure of Ridgeline Games raises concerns about the future of the Battlefield franchise and the direction of its upcoming titles. With Ridgeline’s involvement in narrative and character development, EA’s decision to close the studio signifies a significant shift in the company’s approach to the franchise’s creative direction.
This move by EA to shut down Ridgeline Games is part of a larger trend of layoffs affecting the gaming industry. The publisher has confirmed that approximately 670 employees, representing around 5% of its workforce, will be affected by the restructuring. This decision reflects the challenges that gaming companies face in the face of changing market dynamics and consumer demands.
In addition to the closure of Ridgeline Games, EA has also announced the cancellation of a Star Wars first-person shooter (FPS) title developed by Respawn Entertainment. This decision is a result of EA’s focus on its most profitable intellectual properties (IPs) and a strategic realignment of resources within the company.
Marcus Lehto, co-founder of Ridgeline Games and former narrative director at the studio, has expressed his dissatisfaction with EA and the circumstances surrounding his departure. In a recent post on the social media platform X, Lehto voiced concerns about the impact of industry-wide layoffs on himself and his former team, citing a lack of positivity towards EA.
Following the closure of Ridgeline Games, EA has announced that its projects will be integrated into Ripple Effect, another studio under the EA umbrella. Danny Isaac and Darren White from Criterion will oversee the single-player content of the upcoming Battlefield game, indicating a reorganization of responsibilities within the company.
