EA CEO's Pay Jumps $5 Million as Median Worker Salary Falls

Electronic Arts Chief Executive Andrew Wilson received $30.5 million in total compensation for fiscal 2024-25, a $5 million increase from the previous year, while the median salary for the videogame publisher's employees dropped more than 20%, according to a recent regulatory filing spotted by Game File.

The compensation package represents Wilson's highest pay since 2021, when he earned $39 million. His total package includes stock awards, bonuses and other benefits, with his base salary remaining flat at $1.3 million.

The bulk of Wilson's compensation came from stock awards totaling $25.7 million, up from $20.4 million in the prior year. He also received $2.8 million in bonuses and $678,000 in other benefits, including personal security expenses.

Meanwhile, EA's median employee compensation fell to $117,000 in fiscal 2024 from $149,000 the previous year, the lowest level since 2022. The decline created a stark pay disparity, with Wilson earning 260 times more than the typical EA worker, compared with a ratio of 170-to-1 in the prior year.

The compensation increase comes as the Redwood City, Calif.-based company has implemented significant cost-cutting measures, including laying off more than 1,000 employees and closing offices. EA has also canceled several game projects and faced disappointing performance from some major releases in recent years.

The company is now preparing for the launch of "Battlefield 6" while maintaining its existing portfolio, including "EA Sports FC" and "Apex Legends." EA has also introduced new executive compensation metrics tied to integrating generative artificial intelligence technologies into its gaming products, according to the filing.

Wilson's pay package positions him among the higher-compensated executives in the gaming industry, though below some peers. Playtika Holding Chief Executive Robert Antokol received nearly $49 million in total compensation in 2023 despite a base salary of just $17,000, earning 496 times more than that company's median worker. Take-Two Interactive Software Chief Executive Strauss Zelnick's 2023 compensation has been reported at approximately $42 million.

The largest gaming industry CEO compensation package in recent years belonged to former Activision Blizzard Chief Executive Bobby Kotick, who earned $155 million in 2020 after meeting long-term performance targets. Kotick departed following Microsoft Corp.'s acquisition of Activision Blizzard in December 2023.

The pay disparities at EA reflect broader tensions in the technology and gaming sectors, where executives continue to receive substantial compensation packages even as companies implement layoffs and cost-reduction measures. The gaming industry has faced particular pressure from changing consumer preferences, increased competition and economic uncertainty affecting discretionary spending.

EA's stock performance has been mixed in recent years, with investors weighing the company's transition strategies against near-term operational challenges. The company's emphasis on integrating AI technologies into game development and operations represents a significant strategic shift as the industry adapts to new technological capabilities.