EX-BUNGIE DEV CRITICIZES EA AFTER STUDIO CLOSURE

Ex-Battlefield director Marcus Lehto criticizes EA after his departure from the company and the subsequent closure of Ridgeline Games. Marcus Lehto, a pivotal figure in the Battlefield franchise and the co-founder of Ridgeline Games, expressed his dissatisfaction with EA following his departure which occurred just before the publisher announced significant layoffs affecting approximately 670 employees. This is part of a concerning trend as it follows a previous round of layoffs where EA made 6% of its workforce redundant in March 2023. Lehto shared his disapproval of EA's decisions on social media, hinting at the widespread impact of the layoffs on his team and the industry overall.

Marcus Lehto has been a renowned figure in the gaming industry, best known for co-creating the Halo series. After leaving 343 Industries, he founded Ridgeline Games with the aim to work on the Battlefield series. However, the studio is now winding down, and Lehto is contemplating his future in the industry. His departure marks a significant moment for EA, since he was instrumental in leading the development of Ridgeline's Battlefield projects.

EA's layoffs had a considerable impact on its ongoing projects with reports suggesting that games such as a rumored Mandalorian title were canceled. However, some projects like Bit Reactor and Respawn's Star Wars tactics game have managed to persist despite the cutbacks.

EA's handling of layoffs and internal restructuring has raised concerns regarding the stability and direction of the company, particularly relating to its management of established game franchises and treatment of development teams.