Electronic Arts has informed its staff that it will permanently end its remote work policies and require a full return to the office.
In an email to employees reviewed by IGN, CEO Andrew Wilson stated that in-person collaboration fosters "a dynamic energy that sparks creativity, innovation, and human connection, often leading to unforeseen breakthroughs which translate into amazing experiences for our players." He broadly outlined that moving forward, "hybrid work" will be defined as a "minimum of three days per week in your assigned office," and that the "offsite local" work model will be gradually phased out.
A follow-up email from EA Entertainment President Laura Miele, also reviewed by IGN, provided further clarification, describing the shift as moving "from a decentralized approach to a unified, globally consistent work model for the entire company":
These changes will not take effect immediately. Employees should continue working as directed by your Business Unit until further notice, regardless of where you live.Transitions to new work models will come with a minimum 12-week notice period before any changes are implemented. The timing will vary by location and will be communicated locally with ample advance notice.Hybrid work will mean working from your local office at least three days per week–this aligns with what’s outlined in Andrew’s EA Action. We are introducing a new 30-mile/48-kilometer radius around EA office locations.What this means:Employees residing within 30 miles/48 kilometers of an EA office will transition to a Hybrid work model. Employees living outside this radius will be classified as remote, unless their specific role is officially designated as On-Site or Hybrid.We will also discontinue the Offsite Local work model. Depending on location, this transition may take between 3 and 24 months to complete.Any exceptions to the work model and all future remote hires will require direct approval from the CEO or myself.Several EA sources speaking anonymously to IGN said employees felt upset and confused. Some shared concerns about newly expected commutes lasting several hours, while others cited childcare responsibilities or personal medical conditions that were better accommodated by remote work. Employees currently classified as remote and living beyond the 30-mile radius worried about the long-term security of their roles if they were unable or unwilling to relocate closer to an office. Two sources explained that, per Miele's breakdown, existing remote workers would see their current exemptions from office work phased out over the next 3 to 24 months.
While remote work has long been common in the video game industry, it became widespread during and after the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic when lockdowns forced many major companies to adopt it as a long-term solution. In subsequent years, companies expanded their remote hiring, and many employees moved to more affordable areas away from office hubs, often under the assumption that remote work arrangements were permanent.
However, several other major game companies have recently mandated returns to the office, leading to employee frustration and, at times, turnover as staff faced difficult choices between relocating (often at high cost or personal disruption) and leaving their jobs. Companies like Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard have faced both internal and external criticism over such policies. Nonetheless, the trend toward office mandates appears to be accelerating, with more firms like EA now opting to reinstate in-office requirements.
EA recently conducted layoffs affecting approximately 300 employees company-wide. This follows earlier job cuts at BioWare this year and the elimination of around 670 roles last year.
IGN has contacted EA for comment.
