EA Mandates Office Return, Halts Remote Hiring

Electronic Arts has officially informed its employees that the company will be ending its remote work policies permanently and transitioning to a full return-to-office model. In an internal email obtained by IGN, CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the benefits of in-person collaboration, stating it generates "a kinetic energy that fuels creativity, innovation, and connection," often leading to "unexpected breakthroughs" that enhance the player experience.

Wilson further clarified that the new definition of hybrid work at EA will require employees to be in their local office for a minimum of three days per week. Additionally, the “offsite local” work model will be gradually phased out as part of the transition.

Details from Laura Miele’s Follow-Up Email

In a subsequent message from EA Entertainment President Laura Miele, also reviewed by IGN, more specific details were outlined regarding the company's shift toward a globally consistent enterprise-wide work model:

• Implementation Timeline: Changes will not take effect immediately. Employees should continue working under current directives until official transitions begin, with a minimum of 12 weeks’ notice before any changes are made.
• Hybrid Work Model: Defined as a minimum of three days per week spent in your local EA office.
• New Office Radius Policy: A 30-mile (48-kilometer) radius around all EA locations has been introduced.
• Work Model Categories:
  • Employees living within the 30-mile/48-km radius will transition to the Hybrid work model.
  • Those living outside this radius will be considered Remote unless their role is classified as On Site or Hybrid.
  • The Offsite Local work model will be discontinued, with transitions expected to take between 3 to 24 months depending on location.
• Exceptions: Any exceptions to work models or future Remote hires must be approved directly by a CEO Direct.

Employee Reactions and Concerns

Multiple anonymous sources within EA told IGN that employee reactions have been largely negative, with many expressing confusion and frustration. Some employees highlighted concerns about long commutes now being mandatory, while others raised issues related to childcare and medical conditions that had previously benefited from remote flexibility.

Remote workers located beyond the 30-mile radius expressed concern about the potential impact on their roles if they’re unwilling or unable to relocate closer to an EA office. According to Miele’s communication, existing exemptions for remote work will be phased out over the next 3 to 24 months.

Industry-Wide Shift Away from Remote Work

Remote work was widely adopted across the gaming industry during the 2020 pandemic and remained popular afterward. Many AAA studios embraced remote hiring, allowing employees to move to more affordable areas while maintaining their positions. However, several major studios—including Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard—have recently pushed for a return to office, often resulting in backlash and increased employee turnover.

EA joins this growing trend, reinforcing a more centralized, in-office operational structure despite the disruption it may cause for some employees. This decision comes shortly after EA announced approximately 300 layoffs company-wide, following earlier reductions at BioWare and the elimination of nearly 670 roles last year.

IGN has reached out to Electronic Arts for further comment.