According to a source at Electronic Arts, Origin Systems managers made a formal address during an all-company meeting yesterday. With packing boxes stacked in the hallways, managers informed the assembled staff that EA, the studio's owner, would shutter Origin's operations by the end of April.

As reported in GameSpot, the move conforms with EA's ongoing strategy to consolide all development and publishing operations. Origin staff members who chose to stay with the company will be relocated to EA's Redwood Shores, California, headquarters.

Reportedly, development on Ultima X: Odyssey and support for Ultima Online will continue, uninterrupted, at Redwood Shores.