‘I Feel a Deep Sense Of Pain From This Decision’ EA Japan President Calls Out Microsoft Over Mass Layoffs

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The president of Electronic Arts Japan, Shaun Noguchi, has voiced criticism towards Microsoft following their recent large-scale layoffs. Noguchi expressed a profound sense of empathy towards this decision, which has stirred ripples of concern throughout the gaming world.

Recently, it’s been confirmed that Microsoft is set to reduce its workforce by approximately 4%, which translates to around 9,000 employees. Over the past few days, the extent of these layoffs has become clearer, impacting numerous teams and projects. Reports suggest that projects like ‘Everwild’ and the legendary ‘Forza Motorsport’ series have been terminated. Rumors indicate that Romero Games has closed down due to loss of funding for their project, and even Halo Studios seems to be affected. This has been a tough time for Microsoft.

On the platform X, Shaun Noguchi, president of EA Japan, has spoken out against Microsoft’s recent layoffs, arguing that international companies like Microsoft often prioritize short-term profits from substantial investments. He suggests that these firms frequently shift strategies to fulfill shareholder expectations before enough time has elapsed, which he believes is the cause of this specific situation.

EA Japan President Criticizes Microsoft For Looking to “Seek Short-Term Results”

As a fellow enthusiast in the gaming realm, I resonate deeply with Noguchi’s sentiments. The cancellations of multiple projects following Microsoft layoffs will undoubtedly be disheartening for developers and gamers alike. These projects, painstakingly crafted over extended periods, are often the fruits of dedicated labor and passion. To think that the world may never get to witness these creations is truly saddening. As a member of this industry, I too share in the sorrow that accompanies the realization that something so carefully built will never reach the hands of eager gamers who had been eagerly anticipating it.

Over the past few years, the video game industry has faced significant hardships marked by numerous layoffs, creating an unsettling environment for developers. It appears that layoffs are a recurring issue, with companies constantly downsizing, causing instability within the sector. Even giants like Electronic Arts (EA) have had to let go of staff at multiple studios this year. In 2025, EA’s Codemasters, Respawn Entertainment, and BioWare all announced layoffs, affecting their workforce.

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2025-07-06 15:03