Electronic Arts (EA) has recently announced to its employees that it will be ending its remote working policies permanently and transitioning to a full return to office. In an email sent to employees today, viewed by IGN, CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the benefits of in-person work, stating that it results in "a kinetic energy that fuels creativity, innovation, and connection, often resulting in unexpected breakthroughs that lead to incredible experiences for our players." He further outlined that the new "hybrid work" policy will require employees to work a minimum of three days a week in their local office, and that "offsite local roles" will be gradually phased out.

In a follow-up email from EA Entertainment president Laura Miele, also viewed by IGN, she provided further details on the transition, describing the shift as moving 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 where they live.
• Work model transitions 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 plenty of notice.
• Hybrid work will mean working from your local office at least three days per week, aligning with what’s outlined in Andrew Wilson’s EA Action. A new 30-mile/48-km radius around EA locations will be introduced.
• Employees who live within 30 miles/48 km of an EA location will transition to a Hybrid work model. Those outside this radius will be considered remote unless their role is designated as On Site or Hybrid.
• The Offsite Local work model will be phased out over a period that may take 3 to 24 months, depending on location.
• Any work model exceptions and future Remote hires will require approval from a CEO Direct.

Several sources within EA, speaking to IGN anonymously, reported that employees were upset and confused by the new policy. Some expressed concerns about hours-long commutes, childcare, or personal medical conditions that had benefited from remote work. Others, classified as remote and outside the 30-mile range, were worried about the future of their roles if they were unwilling or unable to move closer to an office long-term. According to two sources, existing remote workers would have their "exemptions" to return to office "sunset" within the next 3 to 24 months.

Remote work became exceptionally popular in the video game industry during and after the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, when stay-at-home mandates forced most AAA companies to adapt remote work as a long-term solution. Since then, more companies have hired remote workers, and many near-office employees have moved to cheaper cities away from offices, believing remote work to be permanent.

However, other major video game companies like Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard have faced criticism for similar return-to-office mandates, which have caused frustration and employee turnover as workers face the choice between challenging relocation and their jobs. Despite this, more companies, including EA, are opting to require an in-office model once again.

EA recently laid off around 300 individuals company-wide, following earlier layoffs at BioWare this year and the termination of approximately 670 roles last year.

IGN has reached out to EA for comment.