Entertainment · Gaming · 1 hr ago
Warren Spector criticizes EA executives over pay as BioWare closes
Warren Spector criticized EA executives in a LinkedIn post about the closure of BioWare, the game studio.
He said the closure hit him hard and rejected the argument that it was simply a sound business decision because the studio's best days were past.
He questioned whether executives face consequences when their decisions lead to job losses or games that are poorly funded or marketed.
Spector pointed to reported 2026 fiscal-year compensation of $38.65 million for EA CEO Andrew Wilson and millions more for other senior executives.
He contrasted executive pay with layoffs across the games industry, including at EA studios.
His central concern is accountability for decisions that affect developers and players; the sources do not describe any next steps.
Warren Spector criticized Electronic Arts executives’ compensation as BioWare closes.
The game developer questioned whether executives face consequences for decisions that lead to studio closures, layoffs or poorly performing games.
Spector listed five EA executives’ compensation for the company’s 2026 fiscal year, including CEO Andrew Wilson’s $38.65 million.
He said BioWare’s closure affected him deeply and rejected the argument that it was a sound business decision because the studio’s best days were behind it.
- Who
- Warren Spector, a video game developer, criticized EA executives.
- What
- He questioned their accountability and pay as BioWare closes.
- When
- The articles were published on November 5 and 6, 2026. Spector said he had posted about BioWare’s closure two weeks earlier.
- Where
- Spector made his comments in a post on LinkedIn.
- Why
- He objected to executives facing fewer consequences than developers for decisions that harm studios and games.
Warren Spector
People who say BioWare’s closure was a sound business decision
Closure and accountability
Warren Spector
Spector rejected the claim that BioWare’s best days were behind it and said executives should face consequences for decisions that contribute to problems.
People who say BioWare’s closure was a sound business decision
They argued that the studio’s artistic and commercial glory days were behind it and that businesses cannot succeed on history alone.
Spector posted his initial thoughts about EA’s decision to close BioWare.
Spector announced his intention to retire from video game development.
EA executives received the compensation figures Spector cited.
PC Gamer published its report on Spector’s criticism.
Eurogamer published its report on Spector’s criticism.
- Andrew Wilson
- CEO; $38.65 million in 2026 fiscal-year compensation
- Laura Miele
- President; $13.7 million in 2026 fiscal-year compensation
- Stuart Canfield
- Chief financial officer; $11.3 million in 2026 fiscal-year compensation
- Jake Schatz
- Chief legal officer; $8.4 million in 2026 fiscal-year compensation
- Mala Singh
- Chief people officer; $8.3 million in 2026 fiscal-year compensation
3 sources
Deus Ex Creator Warren Spector Tears BioWare-Closing EA Executives A New One
"Is there any accountability left in this world?" Warren Spector pops off at EA executives and their massive payouts as BioWare shuts down
Warren Spector sounds even angrier about BioWare's closure as he recounts the massive salaries of EA execs: 'Is there ANY accountability left in this world?'
What people are saying
Is there any accountability left in this world?
If studio-level people leave, resulting in dilution of talent, someone is creating an environment that pushes them out. Do those culture-killers pay any price?
Tens of thousands of do-ers and makers are out of work and these people think they're worth that kind of compensation?