Electronic Arts (EA) has started cutting jobs at its Montreal game studio in Canada as part of its plan to streamline operations.

The online game publisher’s Montreal studio has about 300 employees and the move is expected to affect about 60 to 70 permanent employees, as well as about 100 contracted workers.

EA said in a statement the company is sharpening its focus to provide games for new platforms and mobile.

"In some cases, this involves reducing team sizes as we evolve into a more efficient organisation," EA said. "These are difficult decisions to let go of good people who have made important contributions to EA, and whenever possible we retain or relocate employees to new roles.

"Streamlining our operations will help ensure EA is bringing the best next-generation games to players around the world."

John Riccitiello stepped down as CEO on 30 March 2013, upon taking responsibility for disappointing earnings at the games maker.

EA and its rivals including Activision Blizzard have been witnessing a sharp fall in their growth as more gamers are opting for free games on social networks or on mobile devices.