Fact Check: EA's Top Executives All Received Pay Increases, Even During Layoffs
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that EA's top executives, including CEO Andrew Wilson, received significant pay increases in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, despite the company undergoing layoffs. Wilson's total compensation rose to approximately $30.5 million, which is nearly $5 million more than the previous year. This figure includes a base salary of $1.3 million, stock awards amounting to $25.7 million, and other forms of compensation (Game Developer, Game File).
In contrast, the median compensation for EA's employees fell to $117,302, down from $148,704 the year prior, illustrating a stark disparity in pay between executives and the average worker (PC Gamer, Nintendo Life).
Analysis
The claim that EA's top executives received pay increases during a period of layoffs is supported by multiple sources. The data from EA's 2025 Proxy Statement confirms that all listed executives received raises, with the CEO's pay increasing significantly while the median employee's pay decreased (Game Developer, Game File).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are based on official filings and reputable gaming news outlets. However, it is important to note that EA's methodology for calculating median employee pay has been criticized for its lack of transparency and precision. The company uses a median average rather than a mean, which can obscure the overall pay landscape (PC Gamer, Nintendo Life).
Despite these methodological concerns, the core fact remains that executive compensation has increased while employee compensation has decreased, which supports the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The evidence clearly shows that EA's top executives, including CEO Andrew Wilson, received pay increases during a time when the company was laying off employees and reducing the median worker's pay. This disparity highlights a significant issue regarding executive compensation practices in the context of workforce reductions.
Sources
- EA CEO Andrew Wilson earned 260 times more than the company's median worker last year - Game Developer
- EA CEO’s pay is up, as EA worker median income drops - Game File
- EA CEO pulled in $5 million more this year than last while his employees took home the least money they’ve made since 2022 - PC Gamer
- EA Worker Pay Continues To Dwindle As CEO Picks Up $5 Million Bonus - Nintendo Life
