Electronic Arts has informed employees that it will be permanently ending its remote work policies and is transitioning to a full return-to-office model.
According to an email sent to staff today and reviewed by IGN, EA CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the benefits of in-person collaboration, stating that on-site work generates “a kinetic energy that fuels creativity, innovation, and connection,” often leading to unexpected breakthroughs that enhance the player experience. He also clarified that “hybrid work” will now mean employees must be in their local office a minimum of three days per week. Additionally, the category of “offsite local roles” will be gradually phased out over time.
In a follow-up message from Laura Miele, President of EA Entertainment—also reviewed by IGN—further details were shared regarding the company’s shift toward a globally consistent enterprise work model:
- The changes will not take effect immediately. Employees should continue working under current arrangements until notified otherwise by their Business Unit.
- Any transition will include a minimum 12-week notice period before implementation, with timing varying by location.
- Hybrid work will officially require at least three days per week in the local office, as outlined in Andrew Wilson’s communication.
- A new policy introduces a 30-mile (48-kilometer) radius around EA offices:
- Employees living within this radius will transition to a hybrid work model.
- Those residing beyond the radius may continue in remote roles unless their position is designated 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 the region.
- Exceptions to work models and future remote hires will require direct approval from the CEO.
Multiple anonymous EA employees who spoke to IGN expressed frustration and confusion over the announcement. Some cited concerns about lengthy commutes they are now expected to endure, while others raised issues related to childcare, health conditions, and the advantages remote work had previously offered. Remote employees living outside the 30-mile radius also voiced uncertainty about their positions if they cannot or do not wish to relocate closer to an EA office long-term. According to internal communications, existing remote workers’ exemptions will expire within the next 3 to 24 months.
Remote work had become widespread across the video game industry, especially during and after the global pandemic in 2020, when lockdowns pushed AAA studios to adopt remote workflows. In the years since, many companies have continued hiring remotely, and some employees near offices have moved to more affordable areas under the assumption that remote work would remain a permanent option.
However, recent trends among major studios show a growing push for in-office work. Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard have all faced backlash from employees and the public due to similar mandates, sometimes resulting in resignations when workers are forced to choose between relocation and their careers. Despite this resistance, EA’s decision reflects a broader movement among top gaming companies to reinstate centralized office operations.
Notably, EA recently cut approximately 300 roles globally, following earlier layoffs at BioWare in 2024 and the elimination of roughly 670 positions in the previous year.
IGN has contacted Electronic Arts for further comment.
