EA Layoffs 2026: News, Restructuring & Severance Pay in Canada

As of June 2026, Electronic Arts (EA) is conducting another round of job cuts — reportedly affecting its trust and safety, recruitment, customer support, and IT teams. (Kotaku)

The bombshell update comes as the video game giant is in the process of going private (leaving the stock market) in an estimated $55-billion deal.

If you’re a non-unionized worker or manager at EA Canada, which is a provincially regulated employer, understanding these developments is the first step in ensuring your legal rights are protected.

EA Layoffs: A Timeline of Recent Job Cuts

EA has conducted multiple rounds of job cuts in recent years — many of them affecting Canadian staff.

• March 2026: EA has reportedly trimmed the teams behind Battlefield 6 to better serve “what matters most to most of our community.”
• Feb. 2026: EA has eliminated “some roles” at Full Circle as part of a restructuring.
• May 2025: EA has cancelled its in-development Black Panther game and shut down Cliffhanger Games.
• Feb. 2024: EA is eliminating approximately 5% of its workforce and reducing office space as it restructures its business.
• March 2023: EA is cutting approximately 800 jobs, or 6% of its workforce, as part of a company-wide restructuring.
• May 2022: EA is reportedly laying off approximately 100 customer service employees at its office in Austin, Texas.
• March 2019: EA confirmed that it’s eliminating 350 jobs globally. The company says the move is focused on addressing redundancies in its marketing and publishing departments.
• Feb. 2015: EA is laying off staff at its Montreal office. The company didn’t disclose how many Canadian employees would be affected.
• May 2013: EA announced that it’s cutting around 900 jobs as part of a company-wide restructuring aimed at reducing costs.

Your Rights as a Non-Unionized Employee

Whether your departure is labelled a “layoff,” “restructuring,” or a “voluntary package,” your legal rights are governed by Canadian common law.

How Severance Pay Works

For non-unionized staff and managers at EA, severance pay isn’t determined by a single internal policy.

Instead, it’s based on the unique circumstances of your situation:

• The 24-Month rule: Depending on your age, length of service, and the nature of your role, you may be entitled to up to 24 months of severance pay.
• Managerial complexity: For managers, severance must often account for bonuses, RSUs, and stock options.
• Provincially regulated status: Because EA is a provincially regulated employer, specific rules under a province’s employment legislation apply alongside common law standards.

Defining Wrongful Dismissal

A “wrongful dismissal” is a specific legal term. It occurs whenever an employer in Canada terminates a non-unionized worker without “just cause” but fails to provide the proper amount of severance pay.

This isn’t a reflection of the company’s intent, but rather a calculation of whether the package meets the high standards set by Canadian courts.

If an employment contract’s termination clause is unenforceable, or if a “temporary layoff” is implemented without a prior written agreement, an employee may have a claim for full severance.

Recommended Steps for Affected EA Canada Staff

If you’ve been notified of job loss or offered a “voluntary departure” package at EA Canada:

1. Don’t sign anything immediately: You’re legally entitled to a reasonable period to review any offer. Signing a release prematurely can waive your right to pursue full compensation.
2. Use the Severance Pay Calculator: Get an anonymous, instant estimate of your entitlements.
3. Check your compensation: Ensure your offer includes all variable pay, including bonuses and benefits.
4. Seek legal advice: An experienced employment lawyer can ensure that you receive fair compensation.

EA Layoffs: Frequently Asked Questions

Are layoffs at EA permanent?

For non-unionized employees, a layoff is typically treated as a permanent termination of employment requiring full severance.

Can a manager at EA negotiate a better deal?

Yes. Initial offers from large employers often focus on minimum standards rather than full common law entitlements.

Does EA have to include bonuses in severance?

Often yes — especially if bonuses were a regular part of compensation.

Lost Your Job? Get Help Now

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has helped over 60,000 Canadians secure the compensation they’re owed, and has earned more than 3,000 5-star reviews across the country.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.