Summary
Electronic Artshas tapped former PlayStation executive Connie Booth as its new Group General Manager within its Action RPG division.EAis currently in the process of restructuring following a tumultuous first quarter, which included laying off 5% of its employees and the cancelation of multiple titles that were in development.
Booth and Sony abruptly parted ways in 2023following Booth’s tenure of over 30 years at the company. No formal reason has ever been given for her departure, though it’s rumored her leaving was likely due to PlayStation’s increased focus on live-service games. Outside of a delayed statement from PlayStation acknowledging the split had indeed happened, neither the company nor Booth have discussed it further.
In an exclusive statement to IGN,EA announced Booth’s recent hiring. As Group General Manager, Action RPG, Booth will oversee the studios responsible for properties such asMass Effect,Black Panther, andIron Man, and will report to Laura Miele, EA’s Entertainment Head. In her statement, Miele cites Booth’s guidance during the development of PlayStation’s most beloved franchises to support her hiring, further bolstering EA’s recent shift in focus to work primarily on its own franchises.
Former PlayStation Exec Joins EA
Booth’s arrival at EA may be positive for its developers as well, following EA’s recent layoffs and restructuring. Miele’s statement mentions Booth’s history of creating “an incredible developer-first culture,” a welcome change for developers potentially worrying about thenext round of layoffs at EA. The gaming industry as a whole has been struggling since 2023, a trend that has unfortunately followed into 2024.
Booth’s track record at PlayStation offers a glimmer of hope for EA going forward. In her 30-plus-year career, she has been at the helm for the creation of many of PlayStation’s star titles, includingGhost of Tsushima,Uncharted, andThe Last of Us. With EA prioritizing franchises of its own IP, Booth will have a large role in overseeing theupcomingMass Effect 5from BioWareandDragon Age: Dreadwolf, both of which are currently in production.
Both EA and Sony have seen rough times going through 2023 and 2024, withEA laying off 670 people this past Februaryand PlayStation cutting 900 jobs not long after. Only time will tell if Booth’s leadership at EA will be enough to put the company in a position where layoffs and game cancelations are no longer a looming threat, but considering her past successes, EA is wise to try.
