Fact Check: EA's Top Executives All Received Pay Increases Despite Company Layoffs
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that Electronic Arts (EA) has seen significant increases in executive compensation amidst ongoing layoffs within the company. EA's CEO, Andrew Wilson, earned approximately $30.5 million in the fiscal year 2025, which marks an increase of $5 million from the previous year. This compensation includes a base salary of $1.3 million, stock awards worth $25.7 million, and various bonuses and other benefits (Game Developer source-2).
Moreover, the median compensation for EA's employees has decreased significantly, dropping from $148,704 in fiscal year 2024 to $117,302 in fiscal year 2025. This means that Wilson's earnings were 260 times greater than that of the median employee, a stark contrast to the previous year's ratio of 170 to 1 (PC Gamer source-4).
In addition to Wilson, other executives at EA also received pay increases. For instance, CFO Stuart Canfield's compensation rose from $6.4 million to $9.1 million, and Laura Miele, president of EA Entertainment & Central Development, saw her pay increase from $12.1 million to $12.5 million (Game Developer source-2).
Analysis
The evidence clearly indicates that EA's top executives received pay increases while the company was simultaneously laying off employees. The significant disparity in compensation raises questions about corporate governance and the prioritization of executive pay over employee welfare. The data from EA's Proxy Statement provides a transparent view of the compensation structure, which shows a consistent trend of rising executive pay against a backdrop of declining employee compensation (PC Gamer source-4).
The sources used in this analysis are credible and come from established industry publications. Game Developer and PC Gamer are known for their coverage of the gaming industry and have a history of reporting on corporate practices within major gaming companies. However, it is essential to note that while these sources provide factual reporting, they may also reflect a critical stance towards corporate practices, particularly in light of ongoing layoffs in the industry.
Conclusion
The claim that EA's top executives all received pay increases despite company layoffs is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources demonstrates that while the company reduced its workforce and the median employee's compensation, the executive team, including CEO Andrew Wilson, saw substantial increases in their pay packages. This situation highlights a growing concern regarding income inequality within corporations, particularly in times of financial distress for regular employees.
