EA Layoffs in Canada: Your Rights and Severance Pay Explained
Electronic Arts (EA) is an American video game company headquartered in Redwood City, California.
Founded in 1982, EA develops and publishes popular game franchises including The Sims™, Need for Speed™, FIFA, Battlefield, and Apex Legends™. In Canada, EA operates through EA Vancouver/EA Canada and EA Sports, with studios in Vancouver, Edmonton, Victoria, Kitchener, and Toronto.
EA employs over 13,700 people globally (1,300 in Canada), including game designers, software engineers, animators, quality assurance testers, and marketing professionals.
According to the company, it supports nearly 600 million players and fans worldwide.
Latest EA Layoff Update
September 2025
- EA preparing to go private as part of a historic $55-billion buyout deal — potentially affecting the video game giant’s workforce.
In Canada, non-unionized employees at EA are entitled to significant compensation (up to 24 months’ pay) when fired or let go. This includes salary, bonuses, commissions, and benefits.
A wrongful dismissal occurs if EA terminates you without cause — or incorrectly “for cause” — and doesn’t provide the correct amount of severance pay.
Laid off at EA? 5 Key Steps
- Don’t sign anything on the spot: Carefully review all documents, including your severance offer. Deadlines from employers aren’t legally binding.
- Keep relevant documentation: Save any termination letters, severance offers, and employer communications.
- Use the Severance Pay Calculator: This tool will help you determine whether you’re being offered the correct amount of compensation.
- Contact an employment lawyer: The experienced team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP will ensure you receive the severance pay you’re legally entitled to — not a dollar less.
- Start searching for comparable employment: This helps mitigate income loss and shows good faith in your claim.
📺 WATCH: Layoff Rights Explained
EA Layoff History
EA has announced several layoffs over recent years due to recessions, downsizing, restructuring, cost-cutting measures, and shifts in operational focus.
Below is a timeline of recent layoffs:
- September 2025: Layoffs could be on the horizon for EA following the completion of its $55-billion acquisition by an investor consortium.
- May 2025: EA has cancelled its in-development Black Panther game and shut down Cliffhanger Games.
- February 2024: EA is eliminating approximately five per cent of its workforce and reducing office space as it restructures its business.
- March 2023: EA is cutting approximately 800 jobs, or six per cent 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.
- February 2015: EA is laying off staff at its office in Montreal, Quebec. 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.
FAQs About Severance & Termination
👉 Can My Employment Contract Limit My Severance?
👉 Are Temporary Layoffs Allowed?
👉 Do Contractors Qualify For Severance?
👉 How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
Proven Results from Samfiru Tumarkin LLP
More than 99% of employment law matters are settled in the first few weeks or during mediation. However, when court is necessary, we have the expertise to deliver results — often with legal fees covered by the employer.
33 Years, a Payout to Sink Your Teeth Into
After decades of loyal service at an Ottawa dental practice, a hygienist refused unfair new terms following a sale. With Samfiru Tumarkin LLP by her side, she secured 24 months’ severance, benefits, and legal costs — proof that dedication deserves justice.
Short Stint, Huge Statement
In Marques v. Delmar International, a high-level executive was shown the door after just 8 months — but didn’t leave empty-handed. Thanks to Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, they secured a 4-month severance, showing even short-term employees deserve big wins.
Big Win for Short-service Executive
In Perretta v. Rand A Technology Corporation, a sales professional refused to settle for less when her employer tried to tie severance to an unfair release. With Samfiru Tumarkin LLP on her side, she walked away with 6 months of severance — a bold win.
Lost Your Job? Get Help Now
If you’ve been fired or let go from EA for any reason, don’t sign anything until you speak with the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.
Your employer might be asking you to accept a severance package that doesn’t take into consideration all of your entitlements.
Our employment lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia (BC) have helped many non-unionized employees understand their rights, challenge unfair severance packages, and get what the law truly says they’re owed.
- 👥 Over 50,000 clients helped across Canada
- 💰 Millions recovered in severance and compensation
- ⚖️ No win, no fee — you don’t pay unless we win*
- ⭐ 3,000 5-star Google reviews across Canada (4.7 average)
- 🏆 Recognized as one of Canada’s Best Law Firms by The Globe and Mail
* Conditions apply. Not all cases qualify.
📞 Call us at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.
You must consult your union representative regarding termination, severance pay, and other workplace issues. By law, employment lawyers can’t represent unionized employees with these issues. They’re governed by your collective bargaining agreement.
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.
About the Author
Lior Samfiru
Lior Samfiru is a Founding Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and the Practice Leader of the firm’s Labour & Employment Law Group. Known for his advocacy and success representing both employees and employers, Lior exclusively serves clients in Ontario, where his extensive experience has made him one of Canada’s most sought-after employment lawyers.
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