EA Ends Remote Work, Moves to Full Return to Office

Electronic Arts has announced a major shift in its work policy, ending remote work and pushing for a full return to the office. The decision was shared with employees through an email from CEO Andrew Wilson, who emphasized the importance of in-person work.

Wilson stated that working together in person creates “a kinetic energy that fuels creativity, innovation, and connection, often resulting in unexpected breakthroughs that lead to incredible experiences for our players.”

From now on, the company will adopt a “hybrid work” model, requiring employees to be in the office at least three days a week. Remote roles that don’t align with this model will be gradually phased out.

Laura Miele, president of EA Entertainment, followed up with a more detailed email. She explained that EA is moving from a “decentralized approach to a globally consistent, enterprise-wide work model.” This means that instead of having varied work policies in different regions, EA will implement the same model everywhere.

• 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.
• 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–this aligns with what’s outlined in Andrew’s EA Action.
• We are introducing a new 30-mile/48-km radius around EA locations.
• What this means:
  • Employees who live within 30-miles/48-km of an EA location will transition to a Hybrid work model.
  • Employees who live outside the 30-mile/48-km radius will be considered remote unless their role is designated as On Site or Hybrid.
• We will also sunset the Offsite Local work model. Depending on your location, this transition may take 3 to 24 months.
• Any work model exception and future Remote hires will require a CEO Direct’s /my approval.

Miele clarified that the changes will not happen overnight. Employees will be given a notice period of at least 12 weeks before any changes take effect. The timing of the transition will differ by location, and employees are encouraged to follow their current work arrangements until notified otherwise.

The new hybrid model means that employees living within a 30-mile (48-km) radius of an EA office will need to work in person at least three days a week. Those who live beyond this range will be considered remote workers, unless their role requires them to be onsite or hybrid.

However, EA plans to gradually phase out the “Offsite Local” work model, which allowed employees to work remotely while living near an office. Depending on the location, this transition may take anywhere from three to 24 months. Any future remote work or exceptions will need direct approval from the CEO.

The news has left many employees upset and confused. Some have shared concerns about long commutes, childcare responsibilities, or medical conditions that were easier to manage while working from home. Others, especially those classified as remote and living outside the 30-mile range, are worried about what will happen if they cannot move closer to an office.

According to sources who spoke anonymously to IGN, some employees have reported commuting times that would stretch several hours each day. Others fear being forced to move to more expensive cities to keep their jobs.

EA’s decision follows a broader trend in the gaming industry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies, including EA, adapted to remote work as a long-term solution. This led some workers to move to cheaper cities, assuming they would not have to return to the office.

However, more gaming companies are now mandating office returns, including Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard. These companies have faced backlash from employees who feel that they were promised long-term remote work. In some cases, these mandates have led to increased turnover as employees choose to leave rather than relocate.

This decision also comes after a period of layoffs at EA. The company recently let go of around 300 employees, following earlier cuts at BioWare and the termination of approximately 670 roles last year.

For now, employees are waiting for more information on how the new policy will be implemented and what it means for their roles in the company. As EA shifts back to in-person work, many workers are left questioning their future at the gaming giant.

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