As Gamasutra points out, the loss of 200 jobs more than halves the studio's 350-strong workforce. It had previously been reported that EA Black Box would soon be closed, with staff moving to a nearby office to continue work on its associated franchises.

EA Black Box shipped Skate 2 (X360, PS3) this week. The studio was also responsible for recent titles in the Need for Speed franchise.

The Orlando Sentinel has further confirmed reports that Madden developer EA Tiburon recently laid off an undisclosed number of employees.

The layoffs are part of an overall cost-cutting strategy on the part of publisher Electronic Arts. The company announced in December its plans to reduce its workforce by 10%, or 1,000 employees, following poor holiday sales.