EA realigns its sports, games, and IP efforts
Electronic Arts has announced a shake-up within the publisher, realigning its internal efforts. EA studios are being split amongst two organizations: the existing EA Sports, and EA Entertainment.
EA Entertainment will look to encompass the publisher’s owned IP, as well as licensed IP production. “We’re building the future of interactive entertainment on a foundation of legendary franchises and innovative new experiences, which represents massive opportunities for growth,” wrote EA CEO Andrew Wilson in today’s announcement.
Laura Miele has been appointed as President of EA Entertainment, Technology & Central Development, working alongside leads like Vince Zampella, Samantha Ryan, and Jeff Karp.
EA Sports, meanwhile, will still head up the company’s sport efforts. Cam Weber is President of EA Sports. Both organizational branches will report to Wilson at the top.
Via IGN, this would put Respawn, DICE, Ripple Effect, Ridgeline Games, Full Circle, Motive Studio, EA Seattle, BioWare, and the Originals label, as well as mobile projects, under Entertainment. Sports would, meanwhile, look after Sports endeavors.
“This evolution of our company continues to empower our studio leaders with more creative ownership and financial accountability to make faster and more insightful decisions around development and go to market strategies,” Wilson said. “These steps will accelerate our business, drive growth, and deliver long-term value for our people, our players and our communities.”
Today’s news also notes that Chris Bruzzo is retiring, and Chris Suh is leaving EA.
A new look for EA
While the change seems large, it seems like a lot of EA is staying the same. EA is already making some big shake-ups in the game department, as a recent report revealed EA is in talks to shift Star Wars: The Old Republic development to a third-party studio.
On the Sports side, EA is looking to kickstart its own soccer franchise post-FIFA in EA Sports FC, as well as reboot its college football efforts.
The Entertainment side does seem like it could be positioning EA to do something with its IP outside the realm of games, but we’ll have to wait and see on that front.
