Former PlayStation Exec is Joining EA

gamerant.com:

Electronic Artshas tapped former PlayStation executive Connie Booth as its new Group General Manager within its Action RPG division. EA is currently in the process of restructuring following a tumultuous first quarter, which included laying off 5% of its employees and the cancelation of multiple titles that were in development.

Booth and Sony abruptly parted ways in 2023 following Booth's tenure of over 30 years at the company. No formal reason has ever been given for her departure, though it's rumored her leaving was likely due to PlayStation's increased focus on live-service games. Outside of a delayed statement from PlayStation acknowledging the split had indeed happened, neither the company nor Booth have discussed it further.

In an exclusive statement to IGN, EA announced Booth's recent hiring. As Group General Manager, Action RPG, Booth will oversee the studios responsible for properties such as Mass Effect, Black Panther, and Iron Man, and will report to Laura Miele, EA's Entertainment Head. In her statement, Miele cites Booth's guidance during the development of PlayStation's most beloved franchises to support her hiring, further bolstering EA's recent shift in focus to work primarily on its own franchises.

Booth's arrival at EA may be positive for its developers as well, following EA's recent layoffs and restructuring. Miele's statement mentions Booth's history of creating «an incredible developer-first culture,» a welcome change for developers potentially worrying about the next round of layoffs at EA. The gaming industry as a whole has been struggling since 2023, a trend that has unfortunately followed into 2024.

Booth's track record at PlayStation offers a glimmer of hope for EA going forward. In her 30-plus-year career, she has been at the helm for the creation of many of PlayStation's star titles, including Ghost of Tsushima, Uncharted, and The Last of Us. With EA prioritizing franchises of its own IP, Booth will have a large role in overseeing the