[gamble]

I really doubt Simcity has anything to do with it. The real problem is that EA's stock took a big hit in '08, and has been stagnant since. Many of R's big initiatives, like the new-IP push, the studio acquisitions, and TOR have not paid dividends. Frankly, I'm surprised that he's lasted this long.

[tlogan]

Exactly: but Simcity did not help. I think board members are like: "How did you even manage to screw up this? The game had good reviews and would help us repair our image - but it actually ended up as a disaster?"

[gamble]

I wouldn't be surprised if it affected the timing of his announcement - get all the bad news out at once and wipe the slate clean - bit it's been clear for some time that R. was in trouble if EA's financial situation didn't turn around soon. At this point it's pretty much guaranteed that the next step will be either a sale or severe cuts, likely planned out over the next couple of months so that they can be announced when their next earnings report is due. R. may just not have wanted to play the axe man.