EA Looking to Shut Down Long-Running Studio (Update)

Update: EA has officially debunked this rumor in a statement provided to Nintendo Life.

Original story follows…

It seems Electronic Arts isn’t done closing down some of its studios. A new report suggests the long-running racing developer Codemasters may be next on the chopping block.

Is EA shutting down Codemasters?

Video game insider eXtas1s recently claimed the developer of games like Grid, Colin McRae Rally, Dirt, and most recently F1 25, will shut its doors. Those impacted will be put on the next F1 game or a new Need for Speed game currently in development. Additionally, the insider learned that there are about 400 “more” layoffs at EA.

“The cancellation of Black Panther will NOT be the only thing,” said eXtas1s. “I have been able to learn that there are about 400 more layoffs coming up at EA, a total CLOSURE of the main headquarters of Codemasters and that these developers will be integrated into EA Sp (F1) and a new Need For Speed ​​that is already in development.”

EA recently closed Cliffhanger Games and cancelled its Black Panther game. According to an email from EA Entertainment president Laura Miele, this decision was to “sharpen our focus and put our creative energy behind the most significant growth opportunities.”

“These decisions are hard,” Miele wrote. “They affect people we’ve worked with, learned from, and shared real moments with. We’re doing everything we can to support them — including finding opportunities within EA, where we’ve had success helping people land in new roles.”

The status of Codemasters has been up in the air since EA paused development on future World Rally Championship titles. Around that announcement, the official Codemasters X account was pulled.

While all signs are pointing to Codemasters getting shut down, EA has yet to officially confirm the closure.

(Source: eXtas1s via Nintendo Life)

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