Electronic Arts (EA) has recently announced to its employees that it will be permanently ending its remote working policies, mandating a full return to the office. In an email sent to employees today, which was viewed by IGN, CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the value of in-person work, stating it fosters "a kinetic energy that fuels creativity, innovation, and connection, often resulting in unexpected breakthroughs that lead to incredible experiences for our players." He further defined "hybrid work" as requiring a "minimum of three days a week in your local office," and mentioned the gradual phasing out of "offsite local roles."

In a subsequent email from EA Entertainment president Laura Miele, also viewed by IGN, additional details were provided. Miele described the company's shift from "a decentralized approach to a globally consistent, enterprise-wide work model." Key points from her email include:

• Changes will not take effect immediately. Employees should continue their current work arrangements as directed by their Business Unit, regardless of their location.
• Transitions to the new work model will come with at least a 12-week notice period before implementation, with timing varying by location and communicated locally.
• Hybrid work will require employees to work from their local office at least three days per week, in line with Andrew Wilson's outlined plan. A new 30-mile/48-km radius around EA locations will be introduced.
• Employees living within this 30-mile/48-km radius will transition to the Hybrid work model. Those living outside this radius will be classified as remote unless their role is 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.
• Any exceptions to the new work model and future remote hires will require approval from a CEO Direct.

Several anonymous sources within EA expressed to IGN that employees are feeling upset and confused. Some employees highlighted the long commutes they would now have to endure, while others raised concerns about childcare and personal medical conditions that had benefited from remote work. Remote employees outside the 30-mile radius are also worried about their job security if they cannot or are unwilling to relocate closer to an office.

Remote work has been a staple in the video game industry, becoming even more prevalent during and after the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic when stay-at-home mandates forced many AAA companies to adopt it as a long-term solution. Since then, companies have increasingly hired remote workers, and some employees have moved to more affordable cities away from offices, under the assumption that remote work would continue indefinitely.

However, a growing number of major video game companies, including Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard, have recently mandated returns to office, leading to frustration and employee turnover. These policies have drawn criticism from both within and outside the companies. Despite this, the trend of returning to office seems to be gaining momentum, with EA joining the list of companies requiring an in-office presence.

EA's decision comes on the heels of recent layoffs, with around 300 individuals let go company-wide, following earlier layoffs at BioWare and the termination of approximately 670 roles last year.

IGN has reached out to EA for further comment on these developments.