EA set to shut down Origin Systems, relocate staff to California

Publisher Electronic Arts is reportedly planning to shut down its Origin Systems development studio in Austin, Texas, and is offering staff at the studio the choice of relocation to California or a severance package.

Origin Systems is best known for its work on the classic Ultima and Wing Commander franchises, and the move to relocate the studio's staff comes as part of a wider consolidation of EA's development efforts.

The founding of a new development campus in Los Angeles has already seen the Westwood studio being shut down, while the relocation of the Maxis studio to Los Angeles was announced last week.

However, EA has not confirmed the move, with Glen O'Connell, spokesperson for Electronic Arts UK, telling us this afternoon that "EA is constantly evaluating best-practices and structures for our worldwide studio operations. At this time, we have no changes to announce."

Update #1: Added EA comment.