Electronic Arts (EA) has made a significant announcement to its workforce about the permanent end of its remote working policies. In an email to employees, viewed by IGN, CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the benefits of in-person work, stating that 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 outlined that "hybrid work" will now require a "minimum of three days a week in your local office," and mentioned that "offsite local roles" will be phased out over time.

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

• Changes will not be immediate; employees should continue their current work arrangements as directed by their Business Unit.
• Transitions to the new work model will come with a minimum 12-week notice period, with timing varying by location.
• Hybrid work requires at least three days per week in the local office, within a new 30-mile/48-km radius around EA locations.
• Employees within this radius will transition to a Hybrid work model, while those outside will remain remote unless designated as On Site or Hybrid.
• The Offsite Local work model will be phased out over 3 to 24 months.
• Any exceptions to the work model and future remote hires will require approval from a CEO Direct.

According to several anonymous sources within EA who spoke to IGN, the announcement has left employees feeling upset and confused. Some are facing hours-long commutes, while others are concerned about childcare or personal medical conditions that have benefited from remote work. Remote workers outside the 30-mile radius are worried about their job security if they cannot or will not relocate closer to an office.

Remote work has been a staple in the video game industry, particularly since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic when stay-at-home mandates necessitated its adoption. Many companies expanded their remote workforce, and some employees moved to more affordable areas under the belief that remote work would continue indefinitely.

However, the trend of returning to office policies is growing among major video game companies, leading to frustration and, in some cases, employee turnover. Companies like Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard have faced similar challenges with their return-to-office mandates. EA's decision follows this trend, despite recent layoffs affecting around 300 employees company-wide, following cuts at BioWare and the termination of approximately 670 roles last year.

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