Electronic Arts has decided to permanently end its remote work policy, requiring employees to return to the office full-time.

In a message to staff reviewed by IGN, CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized that in-person collaboration generates a dynamic energy that sparks creativity, innovation, and connection, often leading to surprising breakthroughs and better experiences for players. He announced that the company’s definition of "hybrid work" would now mean spending at least three days per week at a local EA office. Additionally, roles categorized as "offsite local" will be gradually eliminated.

Laura Miele, EA’s Entertainment President, further explained the shift in an email also seen by IGN, describing a move from a decentralized structure to a unified, global work model. Key points from her message include:

• The changes will not be immediate; employees should continue their current work arrangements until further notice based on their business unit’s guidance.

• A minimum 12-week notice will be provided before any changes take effect, with timing varying by location.

• Hybrid work requires a minimum of three days per week at the local office, consistent with Wilson’s earlier statement.

• EA is introducing a 30-mile (48-kilometer) radius rule around its office locations.

• Employees living within this radius will transition to hybrid work.

• Those outside this radius will be considered remote unless their role is officially designated as onsite or hybrid.

• The offsite local work model will be phased out over a period ranging from three months to two years, depending on location.

• Any exceptions for remote work or future remote hiring will require direct approval from the CEO or Andrew Wilson.

Sources inside EA, speaking anonymously to IGN, revealed that many employees are upset and confused about these changes. Some expressed concerns about lengthy commutes, childcare challenges, and medical conditions that had made remote work essential. Employees living beyond the 30-mile limit worry about the future of their roles if they cannot relocate closer to an office. According to Miele’s communication, current remote workers’ exemptions will expire within 3 to 24 months.

Remote work has been widespread in the gaming industry, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic forced companies to adapt. Many AAA studios embraced long-term remote work, prompting some employees to relocate to more affordable areas far from office hubs, assuming remote work was permanent.

However, a trend of returning to office mandates has emerged recently. Major game developers like Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard have all faced backlash and employee turnover due to requiring workers to choose between costly relocations or job loss. EA’s decision follows this pattern, reinforcing a broader industry push back to in-person work.

In addition to these policy changes, EA went through layoffs affecting approximately 300 employees this year, after earlier reductions at BioWare and a larger cut of around 670 jobs last year.

EA declined to comment when approached by IGN.

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