Ha! I predicted this would happen.

I wonder how much of a downward cost-of-living adjustment they're making them take. If it saves EA a lot, I imagine they'll start looking at even cheaper places to move employees - Death Valley? The Everglades?

California is excessively expensive and over regulated. With thousands of people in their employ this is probably an excellent move.

Since moving to Oregon I have calculated that California was taking out 55% of my pay while Oregon takes out 33% of my pay for all the health, social security, taxes, etc deductions. Living in California is the raw deal.

Could it be that EA is looking to get out from under the employment laws of CA that severely restrict what EA can and can't do to their employees?

Interesting to see a studio move to Salt Lake City, when Lightbox Entertainment just moved from Salt Lake City to Austin a few months ago.

Come to Austin, Sims developers! There's a lot more other game developers, a lot more of an eclectic "tech nerd" culture, a lot more diversity, and a MUCH better night life... and the cost of living is almost identical.

I am surprised that there are still so many game studios in CA--especially Los Angeles.

The hardest part about living in CA is the economy and legislation. The State hasn't done much in regards to stabilizing the budget/economy/everything. Governors come in speaking of change, but then get blocked by lobbyist and legislators. No one wants to give up any of the state run programs, but no one can find a way to pay for everything. If California keeps eating her cake, then she'll get diabetes and possibly loose a foot.

Then there's the general cost of living. It's pretty dam high. I feel like I'm paying for location more then anything else--but I do love this location. My stubbornness and love for my home state has not been worn away yet.

It's sooooo much cheaper to live in Utah than California... or Seattle for that matter. Night life might be better elsewhere, but there is a fantastic family life in Utah that many of the more mature developers are looking for.

I loved my tour of duty at Headgate Studios and later EA Salt Lake before moving back to Seattle (mainly to be near wife's family). Fantastic place there. Lots happening in games.

Agreed with Mike Smith. I was also at EA Salt Lake (and Headgate before the transition), and I loved it there. To John Woznack, EA will not be trying to get around employment restrictions, because the attitude at EA Salt Lake is very much anti-overtime and the like. They don't always manage to block it, but they really do everything they can to avoid it, and they definitely all hate it there (including the management). EA Salt Lake is likely the best EA studio to work at as far as good people and good working conditions go, and as long as you're not a big party animal, Utah is an excellent place to live with your family.

I only left because of the right opportunity elsewhere, in the movie VFX industry (in CA bay area, no less...I went the opposite direction as all these Sims guys are going). I still try to steer people towards EASL, and recommend it wholeheartedly as a great place to work.