EA Closes Doors on Battlefield Developer Ridgeline Studios

Electronic Arts (EA) has announced the closure of Ridgeline Games, a studio focused on the Battlefield franchise. This decision comes as part of a larger wave of layoffs at EA, affecting a total of 670 employees. Ridgeline Games, known for its work on a single-player Battlefield project, will now pass on its development responsibilities to another studio.

Ridgeline Games was established by EA to create a narrative-driven campaign for the Battlefield series. Founded in 2021, the studio was led by game director Marcus Lehto until his recent departure. Lehto's exit has raised questions about potential issues surrounding the project or the internal workings of the studio.

Co-Founder of Ridgeline Games Comments on the Studio's Closure

The announcement of Ridgeline Games’ closure came alongside news of 670 EA employees being laid off as EA undergoes major restructuring amid turmoil within the game industry. As reported by VGC, EA Entertainment president Laura Miele confirmed that the studio would be “winding down.” Development of the single-player Battlefield project will be handed off to Criterion Games while some developers are moved to EA’s Ripple Effect to continue their work on the Battlefield universe. Despite the co-founder’s recent departure from Ridgeline Games, Lehto reacted to the news on Twitter, stating that he was “gut punched” and that EA will be losing developers who were incredibly valuable to the franchise.

Twitter article posted by Marcus Lehto

Fans may feel anxious about the shutdown and departure of developers, especially those who are anticipating improvements in the next Battlefield game. Battlefield 2042 received criticism from disappointed players, leading to concerns that the franchise's recent releases have not lived up to expectations. Given the high expectations for the upcoming Battlefield title, a significant shift in leadership and development teams could be worrisome for fans eagerly awaiting the future of the franchise.

Battlefield Realism - Ridgeline Games’ closure and EA’s layoffs come during an incredibly difficult time for the game industry, with PlayStation laying off 900 employees and closing its London studio in the same week

The closure of Ridgeline Games and layoffs at EA are occurring at a challenging time for the game industry. This comes in the wake of PlayStation's decision to lay off 900 employees and shut down its London studio within the same week. Since the beginning of 2024, over 8,000 developers have lost their jobs as studios strive to reduce expenses. The industry has been facing ongoing difficulties, with 10,000 job cuts in 2023. Much of this turmoil is attributed to the surge in hiring and spending during the COVID-19 pandemic. While this has been the primary explanation for cost-cutting measures, some industry experts are now considering other factors such as inadequate planning for the fluctuations in the game industry.

Editor's P/S:

The closure of Ridgeline Games and the layoffs at EA are a stark reminder of the challenges facing the game industry. The high expectations for the upcoming Battlefield title are now overshadowed by concerns about the significant shift in leadership and development teams. While it is understandable that companies need to make decisions to reduce expenses, the impact on employees and the future of promising projects like the single-player Battlefield experience is disheartening.

The industry-wide layoffs and studio closures also raise questions about the sustainability of the current business model. The surge in hiring and spending during the COVID-19 pandemic may have been a contributing factor, but it is essential to look at broader issues such as inadequate planning and the reliance on short-term profits. The industry needs to find a more balanced approach that prioritizes innovation, creativity, and employee well-being if it is to weather these storms and continue to provide engaging and meaningful gaming experiences.