Electronic Arts (EA) has announced to its employees that it will be permanently ending its remote working policies and implementing a full return to office. In an email sent to employees and viewed by IGN, CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the importance of in-person work, stating that it fosters "a kinetic energy that fuels creativity, innovation, and connection, often resulting in unexpected breakthroughs that lead to incredible experiences for our players." He defined the new "hybrid work" model as requiring a "minimum of three days a week in your local office," and mentioned that "offsite local roles" would be phased out gradually.
Further details were provided in a follow-up email from EA Entertainment president Laura Miele, who described the company's shift from "a decentralized approach to a globally consistent, enterprise-wide work model." Key points from her email include:
- Changes will not take effect immediately; employees should continue working as directed by their Business Unit until further notice, regardless of their location.
- Work model transitions will come with at least a 12-week notice period before implementation, with timing varying by location and communicated locally.
- Hybrid work will require employees to work from their local office at least three days per week, in line with Wilson's statement.
- A new 30-mile/48-km radius around EA locations will be introduced.
- Employees living within this radius will transition to a hybrid work model, while those outside will be considered remote unless their role is designated as On Site or Hybrid.
- The Offsite Local work model will be phased out over 3 to 24 months, depending on location.
- Any work model exceptions and future remote hires will require approval from a CEO Direct.
Several anonymous sources within EA told IGN that employees are upset and confused by these changes. Some are concerned about the long commutes they will now have to endure, while others worry about childcare and personal medical conditions that had been better managed with remote work. Remote employees outside the 30-mile radius expressed concerns about their job security if they are unable or unwilling to relocate closer to an office.
Remote work has been a significant part of the video game industry, especially since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic when many AAA companies adapted to remote work as a long-term solution. Over the years, companies have increasingly hired remote workers, and some employees have moved to cheaper cities away from offices, believing remote work would be permanent.
However, other major video game companies such as Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard have also recently mandated a return to office, leading to employee frustration and turnover as workers face the choice between relocating or leaving their jobs. Despite criticism, more companies, including EA, are moving towards requiring an in-office presence.
EA recently laid off around 300 employees company-wide, following earlier layoffs at BioWare and the termination of approximately 670 roles last year.
IGN has reached out to EA for comment on these developments.
