Despite celebrating a record-breaking launch for Battlefield 6 towards the end of last year, which saw it top Steam charts and move 7m copies in only three days, EA has reportedly laid off an unspecified number of staff across its Battlefield teams.
These reported layoffs will impact workers at Criterion, Dice, Ripple Effect, and Motive Studios. According to IGN, the teams are being told these layoffs are happening due to a “realignment” at the company
While Battlefield 6 had an auspicious start, it has struggled to maintain that momentum. On its release in October, it soon reached a concurrent player peak of 747,440 over on Steam. However, since then, daily numbers have dwindled perhaps more than EA was anticipating.
There have also been some community criticisms directed towards Battlefield 6. In February of this year, some skins were given a more realistic redesign after many were left disappointed by their original and slightly ‘edgier’ looks. Also last month, many faced difficulties when trying to equip Battlefield 6’s gas masks, which arrived with season two.
There’s also the game’s battle royale mode – known as RedSec — which initially received a mixed reception from players and critics alike.
Eurogamer has asked EA for comment on today’s reported layoffs, and the impact they will have on the Battlefield teams.
We called Battlefield 6 the “best entry in ages”, but only “when it’s actually being Battlefield”.
“Ultimately though, Battlefield 6 clearly understands what makes the series special, even if it occasionally seems reluctant to accept it. Unlike 2042, the fun is easy to find from the outset, and what problems it has are much simpler to fix,” reads Eurogamer’s four star Battlefield 6 review. “It could be more ambitious, and I’d like more of those larger sandboxes to play in, but overall Battlefield 6 is a reliable reset – and, crucially, a very strong foundation for EA to build upon.”
Battlefield’s franchise head Vince Zampella passed away in December of last year, following a car accident. EA called his death an “unimaginable loss”.
