Ceo Resigns at Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts Inc. (Redwood City, Calif.), the software developer of video games, has announced the resignation of ceo John Riccitiello.

Larry Probst, board chairman and former ceo, will run Electronic Arts until a new chief executive is found.

“E.A.’s strategy and future are rock solid,” Probst posted on the company’s blog site. But, at the same time, the company reported some pessimism about its revenues and earnings for the current quarter. It expects to come in near the low end of its revenue and earnings projections.

“It all comes down to accountability,” Riccitiello said in his resignation letter, adding, “E.A.’s shareholders and employees expect better.”

The traditional video gaming industry is facing increasing pressure and falling retail sales as consumers turn to less expensive games on their smartphones.

Also, the company reported troubles with a new version of its best-known game, SimCity. Apparently, players had trouble connecting online and staying connected. The company blamed the game’s popularity for the trouble, saying unanticipated demanded overloaded its servers. It was forced to offer players a free downloadable game.