Earlier this month, Electronic Arts announced that it would have to cut the number of its employees more than the 6 percent it had announced back in October. This morning EA got more specific, saying it will now lay off 10 percent of its work force. This means that 1,000 EA staff members will lose their jobs by the end of March 31.

In addition, EA said it would close or consolidate at least nine of its development and publishing offices.Only one was actually named; EA Black Box in Vancouver, developers of the Need For Speed series. As previously rumored the EA Black Box team will now be moved to EA's other Vancouver based studio. EA expects to take a charge of $55-65 million because of all of these layoffs and closings but also says it will save $120 million annually as a result.