Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Japanese companies like Nintendo, Capcom, and Konami are healthier because they have smaller teams, don't have frequent layoffs, and don't pay executives $30 million, says expert
An expert suggests that Japanese game companies like Nintendo, Capcom, and Konami are more stable due to smaller teams, fewer layoffs, and more reasonable executive salaries compared to their Western counterparts. While global layoffs are projected to reach over 57,000 between 2022 and 2026, the majority of these events and affected workers are concentrated in North America and Europe, with California being particularly hard-hit.
You can play EA Sports FC 27 today if you own an Xbox
Players who own an Xbox can access EA Sports FC 27 early by changing their console's region to New Zealand, where the game's early access period has already begun. This method allows players to bypass the official September 25 release date. The early access is available for the more expensive editions of the game, while standard editions will unlock on September 25.
Nex Playground maker secures over $150 million to expand globally
Nex, the company behind the controller-free Nex Playground console, has secured over $150 million in financing to support its global expansion. The active play system has sold over 1 million units and is targeting Europe and Asia. The company also appointed Jeff Shouger as its new CFO.
"Every major publisher has approached us to review their old Kinect and Wii catalogue" - Nex Playground is spoilt for choice as its international rollout continues
Nex Playground, a family-friendly micro-console, is expanding globally, with Germany being its next major market. The company has sold over a million units and is seeing strong subscription attach rates. Nex Team is actively reviewing older Kinect and Wii titles for potential revival on its platform, alongside new partnerships with Sega and Bandai Namco for Pac-Man and Sonic Forces: Rival Rush.
Popular Open-World Racing Game Just $5.99 on PlayStation Store
Electronic Arts' open-world racing game, Need for Speed Payback, is currently available for $5.99 on the PlayStation Store for PlayStation 4 owners. This limited-time offer represents a 70% discount from its usual $19.99 price, expiring on September 24, 2026. The deal includes the full base game with its campaign and multiplayer modes.
"I really want Criterion to be considered the best studio in the UK" – why the home of Burnout has a future with Battlefield
Criterion Games, known for the Burnout series and Need for Speed Unbound, is now fully focused on the Battlefield franchise, contributing significantly to Battlefield 6. Studio leadership emphasizes that the core principles of controlled chaos and spectacle that defined their racing games are still present in their current work on Battlefield. The studio has grown and is aiming to be considered the best in the UK.
Xbox Doesn’t “Have Any Changes to Announce” For Game Pass Following Leak About Losing Day-One Games
Xbox has stated that there are no immediate changes planned for its Game Pass subscription service, despite rumors of significant alterations. These rumors suggested a consolidation into two tiers, removal of day-one game releases, and separate charges for cloud gaming and multiplayer access. Xbox confirmed it regularly tests offerings to maintain value for subscribers.
EA Sports FC 27 Announces Pre-Loading And Launch Windows Across The Globe Ahead Of Release
Electronic Arts has announced pre-loading is available for EA Sports FC 27, with staggered release windows globally. Ultimate Edition owners and EA Pro members can play starting September 17th at 4 PM PDT, while Standard Edition owners will access the game on September 24th. An EA Play trial begins five hours after the initial launch.
Apex Legends vs Street Fighter Collaboration Details
Apex Legends is launching a "Vs Street Fighter" collaboration event on September 22, 2026, featuring unlockable skins for characters like Ryu, Chun-Li, Akuma, and Cammy. The event will also introduce themed weapon skins, new emotes, and a revamped Olympus map with a "Fighter Form" mechanic that grants temporary enhanced abilities. This crossover aims to keep Apex Legends competitive in the battle royale market.
Apex Legends' next event is a crossover with Street Fighter 6
Apex Legends is collaborating with Street Fighter 6 in a new in-game event titled 'Apex Legends vs. Street Fighter 6.' The event will feature a remixed Olympus map with Street Fighter elements, a new game mode called Apex KO where players select fighters with unique abilities, and new cosmetic items. The collaboration is set to begin on Tuesday, September 22.
UK software sales chart for the week ending September 12, 2026 – Onimusha: Way of the Sword doing well
The UK software sales chart for the week ending September 12, 2026, shows Onimusha: Way of the Sword climbing to the number one spot. Nintendo titles Pokemon Pokopia and Mario Kart World also saw significant movement, ranking third and sixth respectively.
Xbox Game Pass to Lose Day-One Games, Split Into Two Tiers in 2027 – Rumor
A rumor suggests Xbox will restructure Game Pass in 2027 into two tiers, one with ads for $12.99 and one without for $19.99, both losing day-one first-party releases and cloud streaming. Cloud gaming will be a separate $5.99 bundle, and console multiplayer access will be unbundled at $10.99 per month. These potential changes come amid internal criticism of Game Pass's business model and past publisher objections to features like a family plan.
Fan Backlash Puts Level-5’s AI Showcase Under Scrutiny
Level-5 president and CEO Akihiro Hino has apologized after fans expressed backlash over the use of generative AI in footage shown during the studio's recent digital showcase. Hino stated that AI was used to make the presentation more spectacular, but insisted that core game elements like scenarios and character designs remain human-made. The incident has drawn comparisons to other games facing scrutiny for undisclosed AI use and highlights a wider industry trend.
I've learned to love Star Wars Zero Company's permadeath – by letting the new hires die
The author has learned to embrace the permadeath mechanic in Star Wars Zero Company by strategically using custom "redshirt" operators for risky missions. This approach, while seemingly cold, reduces stress and enhances the game's narrative connection to its Star Wars inspirations, making the core gameplay loop more manageable and enjoyable.
MMO Week in Review: Foreverrrrr
BlizzCon 2026 saw major announcements including a new open-world StarCraft shooter, Diablo V for 2029, and World of Warcraft Forever launching soon. The event also revealed World of Warcraft's next retail expansion, The Last Titan, and sparked controversy over World of Warcraft Forever's monetization. Other news included the sunsetting of Ship of Heroes, layoffs at Pantheon Rise of the Fallen, and business dealings involving ArcheAge.
Professor Layton studio Level-5's CEO admits using AI to make its digital showcase "more spectacular"
Level-5 president and CEO Akihiro Hino has admitted to using generative AI in the studio's recent digital showcase to make the presentation "more spectacular." Following fan backlash, Hino apologized for making people uncomfortable and clarified that core game elements like scenarios and character designs are still created by human hands. He stated AI is being used for efficiency and experimentation in digitizing creative work, not for generating final game assets.
Zero Company made an old Star Wars fan feel young again - Reader's Feature
A reader's feature praises Star Wars Zero Company for its surprisingly engaging storytelling, which reignited a childhood love for the franchise. The author found the narrative compelling, contrasting it with less impactful recent Star Wars media and games. The game's characters and voice acting are also highlighted as strengths.
Evening Reading - September 11, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading covers various gaming news, including Saudi Arabian investors considering a merger between EA and Savvy Games, EA Sports confirming the use of generative AI voice tech in NHL 27, and PlayStation reportedly shelving Hideo Kojima's Physint. It also notes Stellar Blade developers confirming game card sizes for the Nintendo Switch 2, the closure of Moss developer Polyarc, and Nintendo's legal win against Switch pirates.
FC 27 Trophies: Full Achievement List and How to Unlock Them
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of all 47 trophies and achievements in EA Sports FC 27, detailing the requirements and modes needed to unlock them. Collecting all achievements will grant the Platinum Trophy on PlayStation or 1000 Gamerscore on Xbox, with the grind expected to be similar to previous titles.
Exodus is a great modernization of Mass Effect, with only awkward dialogue letting it down
Exodus, a new RPG, shows promise as a modernization of the Mass Effect formula with engaging third-person combat and a compelling world. While the core gameplay mechanics and character abilities are strong, the dialogue is noted as awkward and cheesy, potentially hindering the narrative's impact.
