Electronic Arts Moves to End Remote Work

Electronic Arts has permanently ended its remote work policies, requiring all employees to return to the office full-time.

In an email to staff obtained by IGN, CEO Andrew Wilson stated that in-person collaboration fosters a "kinetic energy that drives creativity, innovation, and connection, often leading to unexpected breakthroughs and incredible player experiences." He broadly defined the new "hybrid work" model as a "minimum of three days per week in your assigned office," noting that "offsite local roles" will be gradually phased out.

EA Entertainment president Laura Miele provided further details in a follow-up email, also obtained by IGN, describing the shift as a move "from a decentralized approach to a globally consistent, enterprise-wide work model":

Several EA employees speaking anonymously to IGN expressed frustration and confusion. Some shared concerns about newly required hours-long commutes, childcare challenges, or medical conditions accommodated by remote work. Employees classified as remote and living outside the 30-mile radius worried about their job security if they cannot or will not relocate closer to an office. Two sources explained that, per Miele's breakdown, existing remote workers' exemptions will be "sunset" within the next 3 to 24 months.

While remote work has long been common in the video game industry, it became widespread during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, when stay-at-home orders led many major studios to adopt it as a long-term solution. Since then, companies have hired more remote staff, and many office-proximate employees moved to more affordable areas, believing remote arrangements were permanent.

However, several major game companies have recently mandated office returns, leading to employee frustration and turnover as staff choose between costly relocations and their jobs. Companies like Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard have faced internal and external criticism over such policies. Despite this, return-to-office mandates continue to gain momentum, with more firms like EA now requiring in-office attendance.

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

IGN has contacted EA for comment.