EA Mandates Office Return, Halts Remote Hiring

Electronic Arts has informed employees of a permanent end to its remote work policy, mandating a full return to office operations. In an internal email reviewed by IGN, CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the value of in-person collaboration, stating that on-site work fosters “a kinetic energy that fuels creativity, innovation, and connection,” often leading to breakthroughs that enhance player experiences. Under the new framework, “hybrid work” will be defined as a minimum of three days per week at the employee’s local EA office, while the current “Offsite Local” work model will be gradually phased out.

Further details were clarified in a follow-up message from EA Entertainment president Laura Miele, outlining the company’s shift from a decentralized approach to a globally consistent, enterprise-wide work model. The changes will not take effect immediately. Employees are expected to continue under their current work arrangements until official directives are issued by their respective Business Units. Any transition will include a minimum 12-week notice period, with timelines varying by location and communicated locally in advance.

Key components of the new policy include:

• Hybrid work requires attendance at the local office for at least three days per week, aligning with the guidelines set forth in Andrew Wilson’s EA Action plan.
• A new 30-mile (48-km) radius has been established around all EA office locations.
• Employees residing within this radius will transition to the Hybrid work model.
• Those living beyond the 30-mile/48-km boundary will be classified as Remote, unless their role is designated as On Site or Hybrid.
• The Offsite Local work model will be discontinued, with transition periods ranging from 3 to 24 months depending on location.
• Exceptions to the work model and future Remote hires will require approval from a CEO Direct or Laura Miele.

Anonymous sources within EA shared with IGN that the announcement was met with confusion and frustration. Some employees expressed concern over significantly long commutes, while others cited childcare responsibilities and medical conditions that made remote work essential. Remote employees outside the 30-mile radius worry about the long-term viability of their roles if relocation is expected. According to internal breakdowns, existing remote workers’ current exemptions from office attendance will be sunsetted within the next 3 to 24 months.

Remote work became widespread across the video game industry during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, when lockdowns prompted major studios to adopt flexible work models. In the years since, many companies expanded their remote hiring, and employees relocated to more affordable areas under the assumption that remote work would remain a permanent option. However, a growing number of major developers—including Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard—have recently enforced return-to-office mandates, sparking backlash and, in some cases, employee departures due to the high cost or impracticality of relocation.

EA’s latest move follows a series of workforce reductions, including recent layoffs affecting approximately 300 employees company-wide, following earlier cuts at BioWare and the elimination of around 670 roles last year.

IGN has contacted EA for additional comment.