EA’s Irish arm sees losses narrow

The Irish arm of videogame publisher Electronic Arts (EA) saw losses narrow in the 12 months to April 3rd, despite turnover remaining relatively stable.

Accounts filed for Electronic Arts Ireland Limited showed revenue of €31.7 million in the period, up from almost €29 million a year earlier. The bulk of that latest figure came from the European market, accounting for €25.7 million. The remainder, some €5.9 million, came from the US market.

Operating losses for the year narrowed to €61,000 from €319,000 in the prior period. Overall, pretax losses were €231,000, less than half of the €513,000 recorded a year earlier.

The Irish company employs 394 people, with the bulk of those – 300 – involved in sales and customer support. Almost 70 staff members are involved in research and development.

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Staff costs rose to €21 million for the year, with salaries accounting for €16.7 million.

Gaming company EA counts Fifa, NHL, Battlefield and The Sims games among its successful franchises. Its Irish subsidiary has an office in Galway and a data centre in Dublin.

However, the company is facing the loss of its successful Fifa franchise, with reports that it was having difficulty renewing the contract to allow it to keep using the Fifa name on the soccer game.

EA's current contract with Fifa expires next year after the Qatar World Cup, with obstacles to renewing the contract created by Fifa seeking increased revenue, and EA pushing to expand the Fifa brand into new areas, like NFTs and highlights of real games.

The soccer governing body said earlier this month that it would widen its gaming and esports portfolio to ensure that controlling rights don’t lie in the hands of one party.