Electronic Arts says hackers stole source code used for FIFA 21 and the Frostbite engine
EA is dealing with the attack as major video game makers participate in the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo. Photo: AFP
Shares in Electronic Arts have dipped after the video game giant confirmed hackers managed to steal source code and other software tools.
EA, the maker of popular titles such as Battlefield, acknowledged the breach after a report by Vice Media that attackers had made off with the code used for games including FIFA 21 and the Frostbite engine, which powers some EA games.
The company insists the attack was unlikely to have an impact on gamers or business operations.
“We are investigating a recent incident of intrusion into our network where a limited amount of game source code and related tools were stolen,” an EA spokesperson said in a statement.
“No player data was accessed, and we have no reason to believe there is any risk to player privacy. Following the incident, we’ve already made security improvements and do not expect an impact on our games or our business.”
EA said it was “actively working with law enforcement officials and other experts as part of this ongoing criminal investigation”.
According to Vice Media, hackers boasted about the attack on underground internet forums, with one post saying: “You have full capability of exploiting on all EA services.”
The hackers were advertising the stolen software for sale in various dark web forums, according to the report.
The news follows a wave of high-profile cyberattacks in recent months including several ransomware attacks on industrial firms and health care facilities, and breaches of government and non-profit networks attributed to espionage efforts.
The attack on EA comes as major video game makers were set to participate in the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) being held virtually due to the pandemic.
-with agencies