Fact Check: EA CEO Andrew Wilson's Pay Skyrockets to $30.5 Million Amid Layoffs
What We Know
EA CEO Andrew Wilson's total compensation for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, was reported to be $30.5 million. This figure includes a base salary of $1.3 million, $25.7 million in stock awards, $2.8 million from a non-equity incentive plan, and $678,000 in other compensation, which primarily covers personal security benefits (Game Developer). This marked an increase of nearly $5 million from the previous year, where he earned $25.6 million (Rock Paper Shotgun).
In contrast, the median compensation for EA's employees dropped to $117,302, down from $148,704 in the prior fiscal year (Game Developer). This disparity highlights that Wilson earned approximately 260 times more than the median employee (Game File).
Analysis
The claim that Andrew Wilson's pay has skyrocketed to $30.5 million is substantiated by multiple reliable sources. The data comes from EA's 2025 Proxy Statement, which outlines executive compensation and employee pay ratios. This document is a formal disclosure required by the SEC and is generally considered credible.
The increase in Wilson's pay comes at a time when EA has been laying off employees and reportedly canceling projects, raising concerns about income inequality within the company. The fact that Wilson's pay has risen significantly while the median employee compensation has decreased is a critical point of contention (PC Gamer).
The sources used in this analysis are reputable within the gaming industry, including Game Developer and Rock Paper Shotgun, both known for their coverage of business aspects in gaming. The information is consistent across these sources, reinforcing the reliability of the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that EA CEO Andrew Wilson's pay skyrocketed to $30.5 million amid layoffs is accurate. The evidence clearly shows that while Wilson's compensation increased significantly, the median pay for EA employees decreased, highlighting a growing disparity in earnings within the company.
Sources
- EA CEO Andrew Wilson earned 260 times more than the company's median worker last year
- EA CEO Andrew Wilson got a nice pay bump last year while the company's workers earned less on average
- EA CEO's pay is up, as EA worker median income drops
- EA's CEO pulled in $5 million more this year than last while his employees took home the least money they've made since 2022
