Apex Legends studio Respawn hit with layoffs as part of wider EA cuts

Apex Legends developer Respawn Entertainment has suffered a round of layoffs as part of wider cuts at parent company Electronic Arts.

The publisher announced a restructuring plan last month that will see it lay off approximately 5% of its global workforce.

At the same time, it said it had cancelled a Star Wars FPS that had been in development at Respawn.

“The Apex team was hit with layoffs today,” level designer Aaron Stump wrote on X. “It sucks seeing some of the people I’ve worked with for almost 3 years now get let go. Hopefully, they land on their feet sooner rather than later.”

“After 20 Seasons of Apex and 5 years at Respawn nearly to the day, my job has been made redundant and I have been laid off,” said global social media lead Alex Ackerman. “Working on this game and supporting this community has truly been the honor of my career and a highlight of my life.”

After 20 Seasons of Apex and 5 years at Respawn nearly to the day, my job has been made redundant and I have been laid off.

Working on this game and supporting this community has truly been the honor of my career and a highlight of my life.

Thank you for everything, legends ❤️

— Alex Ackerman🌙 (@alex_frostwolf) March 14, 2024

“Rough day at EA. Rough day at Respawn,” said Peter 5tewart, a senior writer at the studio. “Although I’m thankful to be safe, my thoughts are with everyone affected by the ongoing layoffs, and if there’s any way I can help or signal boost, I will do. It’s really hard to find the energy and joy to make games in this environment.”

Announcing the cancellation of the Star War FPS, EA entertainment and technology president Laura Miele said it would allow the studio to focus on new projects based on “Respawn’s rich library of owned brands”, in addition to existing series like Star Was Jedi.

Further reading

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EA says Apex Legends will ‘expand beyond the traditional battle royale universe’ this year

CEO Andrew Wilson sees “incredible growth” potential for the five-year-old franchise

Apex Legends players can expect to start seeing the game “expand beyond the traditional battle royale universe” over the coming year as EA looks to attract more players to the franchise, CEO Andrew Wilson said last week.

Respawn is reportedly working on a new game set in the Titanfall universe.