EA Mandates Office Return, Halts Remote Hiring

Electronic Arts (EA) has recently informed its employees that it will be discontinuing its remote working policies and transitioning to a full return to office. This decision was communicated through an email from CEO Andrew Wilson to the staff, as reported by IGN.

In his message, Wilson emphasized the benefits of in-person collaboration, stating that it fosters "a kinetic energy that fuels creativity, innovation, and connection," which he believes leads to significant breakthroughs and enhanced experiences for players. He further clarified that the new "hybrid work" model would require employees to be present in their local office for a minimum of three days per week. Additionally, Wilson announced the gradual phasing out of "offsite local roles."

Further details were provided in a follow-up email from EA Entertainment president Laura Miele. She described the shift as moving from a "decentralized approach to a globally consistent, enterprise-wide work model." Key points from her email include:

• The changes will not be immediate; employees should continue their current work arrangements until further notice.
• A minimum 12-week notice period will precede any work model transitions, with the timeline varying by location and communicated locally.
• The hybrid work model requires a minimum of three days per week in the local office, aligning with Wilson's earlier statement.
• A new 30-mile/48-km radius around EA locations will define the local area.
• Employees living within this radius will transition to the hybrid model, while those outside will be considered remote unless their roles are designated as On Site or Hybrid.
• The Offsite Local work model will be phased out over a period of 3 to 24 months, depending on location.
• Exceptions to the new work model and future remote hires will require approval from a CEO Direct.

IGN reports that several anonymous sources within EA expressed dismay and confusion over the new policy. Some employees highlighted the impracticality of long commutes, while others raised concerns about childcare and medical conditions that had been better managed under remote work. Remote workers outside the 30-mile radius voiced apprehension about the future of their roles if they couldn't or wouldn't relocate closer to an office.

Remote work became increasingly common in the video game industry, particularly after the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, when many companies, including AAA studios, adapted to remote operations. Over time, more remote positions were created, and some employees moved to more affordable areas, believing remote work would be a permanent fixture.

However, recent trends show other major video game companies like Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard also mandating returns to office, leading to employee frustration and turnover as workers faced difficult choices about relocation. Despite criticism, the shift towards in-office work continues, with EA joining the ranks of companies reverting to traditional office-based models.

This announcement follows EA's recent layoffs of approximately 300 employees across the company, after earlier cuts at BioWare and the termination of around 670 roles the previous year.

IGN has sought comment from EA regarding these developments.