Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson has received a massive corporate bonus of $38,649,984 (£29,075,030) in the 2026 financial year, according to EA's 10-K report. This comes after the company laid off an undisclosed number of employees across all studios behind Battlefield 6, including DICE, Ripple Effect, Criterion Games, and Motive Studio, in March.
Battlefield 6 Success and Layoffs
Battlefield 6 surpassed Call of Duty as the best-selling game of 2025 in the US and met 'all milestones for a high-quality launch … with positive critical reviews and stable services and gameplay,' according to EA. Despite the game's success, EA said the layoffs were to 'better align our teams around what matters most to our community.'
Executive Compensation Details
Wilson's compensation for 2026 includes stock awards, non-equity incentive plan compensation, and 'all other compensation.' This is an increase of $8,120,149 (£6,108,567) from the $30,529,835 (£22,966,526) he received in 2025. His $1.3 million (£977,954) salary is not included in the bonus figure. Other EA executives also received large bonuses: CFO Stuart Canfield got $11.3 million, and president Laura Miele got $13.7 million.
Generative AI Strategy and Future
EA highlighted a 'bold' generative AI strategy as a reason for its success in 2026, which achieved 'goals for transformation, expansion, and efficiency' across the company, including 'strategic AI partnerships' and 'launching a GenAI investment framework.' Success across EA Sports FC, Apex Legends, and Skate were also noted. If Saudi Arabia's acquisition of EA, recently approved by the EU, goes through, the company will go private and will no longer be required to publish such reports. Wilson is set to remain as CEO, a position he has held since 2013.
Industry-Wide Issue
The layoffs and executive bonuses are not isolated to EA. Companies like Take-Two have also laid off employees despite massive profits. This trend highlights how company management is rewarded at the expense of those who create the products being sold.
