Electronic Arts (EA)-owned studio Ridgeline Games, based in Seattle, is set to shut down following company-wide layoffs and the departure of its leader. The closure date remains undisclosed. EA, headquartered in Redwood City, California, recently announced a 5% reduction in its workforce, affecting around 670 employees, citing the evolving landscape of the gaming industry and shifting player preferences as driving factors. CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the need to adapt to these changes and optimize the company's global operations accordingly.
EA's renowned titles such as The Sims, Madden NFL, and the rebranded FIFA (now FC 24) have solidified its position as a gaming giant. However, the closure of Ridgeline marks a strategic shift, with EA discontinuing development on certain licensed intellectual properties deemed unlikely to succeed in the evolving market.
Ridgeline, founded in 2022 and led by Marcus Lehto, co-creator of Halo, had been working on the Battlefield series. Lehto's departure, announced independently, adds to the studio's challenges. While some Ridgeline employees will transition to Ripple Effect, an LA-based studio focusing on the next Battlefield installment, others face uncertain futures.
EA's initial investment in Ridgeline, highlighted by a 53,000-square-foot office space in Kirkland, underscored its commitment to the Seattle gaming scene. The closure comes amid earlier expansions, including the establishment of Cliffhanger Games for a Black Panther game and the presence of PopCap Games, known for Plants vs. Zombies.
This move aligns EA with a trend in the industry, as other Seattle-based gaming companies, like Microsoft, have also announced significant layoffs. Microsoft's gaming division, including Xbox and recently acquired Activision Blizzard, faced a 1,900-employee reduction, reflecting broader shifts within the gaming landscape. Despite these challenges, Seattle remains a hub for innovation and creativity in the gaming world.
In conclusion, the closure of Ridgeline Games marks a significant development in the ever-evolving gaming industry. EA's decision reflects the company's strategic realignment in response to changing market dynamics and player preferences. The departure of Ridgeline's leader, coupled with company-wide layoffs, underscores the challenges faced by gaming studios amidst rapid technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors. However, as Seattle continues to thrive as a center of innovation and creativity in the gaming world, the closure of Ridgeline serves as a reminder of the industry's resilience and its continual pursuit of innovation in the face of adversity.