EA shares tumble after CEO resignation

Shares of Electronic Arts tumbled Tuesday, following Monday's announcement that six-year CEO John Riccitiello had resigned from the publisher.

At market close yesterday, EA's stock value was down 8.3 percent to $17.15, after news that the executive would leave effective March 30.

The market opens today at 9:30 a.m. EDT.

Riccitiello explained in his resignation letter that EA has "fallen short" of the internal operating plan set one year ago. "EA's shareholders and employees expect better and I am accountable for the miss," he said.

As part of Riccitiello's separation agreement with EA, he will continue to draw a salary for 24 months and maintain vesting of unvested options until Nov. 30, 2013, with those stock options exercisable until Feb. 28, 2014.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Riccitiello's total exit package is valued at around $4.7 million, though this figure could balloon further if EA stock bounces back.