EA Reducing Work Force By 1,000, Closing 9 Locations

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I work about a mile from their central location. Here's what my boss sent out this morning...

Worst year for development (and independent development houses) in my recent memory, anyway.

The list of large, well respected, seemingly stable devs who tanked this year is staggering.

We're probably going to be okay for at least the next year, but I'm preparing for the worst.

http://kotaku.com/5114113/ea-reducing-work...ing-9-locations

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

EA?

[Ban Hammer 14,668]

I work about a mile from their central location. Here's what my boss sent out this morning...

Worst year for development (and independent development houses) in my recent memory, anyway.

The list of large, well respected, seemingly stable devs who tanked this year is staggering.

We're probably going to be okay for at least the next year, but I'm preparing for the worst.

http://kotaku.com/5114113/ea-reducing-work...ing-9-locations

got jobs in kansas, come on out

[Ban Hammer 14,668]

EA?

electronic arts

[one...two...tree 2,762]

EA?

Electronic Arts - they are the mother of all game publishers.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Aah.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Sadly, the entire game industry is being affected. Not sure where you are, but Austin, the home of MANY development houses, has been absolutely gutted.

What's strange about EA is that they've been putting out crappy games for YEARS. And yet, in the last couple of years they finally started putting out some really quality stuff (Warhammer is TEH WIN!!!!!11 and yes I know it's Mythic). Breaks my heart to see this because I'm afraid that when they get back on their feet they'll just go back to playing it safe again.

We're just a small developer in LA (35 employees) and we're doing well, thankfully. Video games as a whole have been doing well in terms of sales. I'm seriously considering studying nursing should our company go under by next year.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

If your employer goes under, will it be hard to find a similar job at a similar employer?

[Amby 490]

Steven wants to be a nurse if his employer goes under. Don't you read the other threads?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

If your employer goes under, will it be hard to find a similar job at a similar employer?

Hard to say, but I imagine that with EA layoffs, that's a lot of people all looking for the same kind of work. I just don't know if I could stomach it anymore. I'd certainly be open if another offer comes in the event of a layoff, but while I'd be out of work, my plan would be to study nursing. I want stability...for my family.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

If every out of work video game dude goes into nursing, there goes our healthcare system!

Edited December 20, 2008 by A.J.

[jundp 191]

Steven, what about software development or something similar? Though nursing will definitely be stable too, I'm just thinking of how long it will take you to get that degree....will you guys be ok if you go back to school? Jinky was trying to get her dentistry license here in the US, right?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

If every out of work video game dude goes into nursing, there goes our healthcare system!

I have many talents.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

We're just a small developer in LA (35 employees) and we're doing well, thankfully. Video games as a whole have been doing well in terms of sales. I'm seriously considering studying nursing should our company go under by next year.

SOE is hiring in San Diego, for what it's worth. They seem to be the only house out there hiring. I'd have to really REALLY be hard-up for work though. Not only did they fracking destroy SWG (NGE?!?! ####### was THAT all about?!?!) but they just recently announced that they're opening item shops in EQ and EQ2. So, basically, eff off Sony. But if you've gotta put food on the table, ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

Thanks for the heads up, but right now I'm staying put....great company and there's a good chance they'll survive these economic hard times.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Steven, what about software development or something similar? Though nursing will definitely be stable too, I'm just thinking of how long it will take you to get that degree....will you guys be ok if you go back to school? Jinky was trying to get her dentistry license here in the US, right?

Perhaps...should I lose my job, I'll be open to a lot of possibilities, but nursing just sounds right. Although I believe it takes 2 years to be an RN, I could work my way through (MA, LVN)...I need look into it more. I may never have to go down that road, but I'm just thinking of a plan B. Jinky's just about to register for her first national board exam, but she really hasn't had the opportunity to study with the baby. We've got to figure out a way that she can...and I feel we have a window of about 12 months for her to do it now while I know I have steady work.