EA Enforces Office Return, Ends Remote Work and Hiring

Electronic Arts has informed its workforce that it will permanently discontinue remote work policies, requiring a full return to office settings.

In an email to staff today, 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 that create exceptional experiences for our players." He outlined that "hybrid work" now mandates "at least three days per week in your local office," with "offsite local roles" being phased out gradually.

In a subsequent email from EA Entertainment president Laura Miele, also seen by IGN, she elaborated on the shift, noting the company is transitioning from "a decentralized model to a globally unified, enterprise-wide work structure":

Multiple anonymous EA sources told IGN that employees are frustrated and uncertain. Some described facing long commutes, while others raised concerns about childcare or medical conditions previously accommodated by remote work. Employees classified as remote and outside the 30-mile radius expressed anxiety about their roles if they cannot or choose not to relocate closer to an office. Two sources noted that, per Miele’s email, current remote workers’ "exemptions" from office return will expire within 3 to 24 months.

Remote work has been common in the gaming industry, surging during and after the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic when stay-at-home orders prompted major studios to adopt it as a long-term solution. Since then, companies have increasingly hired remote staff, and some near-office employees relocated to more affordable cities, believing remote work was permanent.

Recently, other leading gaming firms have mandated office returns, sparking frustration and, in some cases, staff turnover as employees faced difficult relocations or job loss. Companies like Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard have drawn criticism for these policies. Despite resistance, office mandates are gaining traction, with firms like EA reinstating in-office requirements.

EA recently cut approximately 300 jobs company-wide, following layoffs at BioWare earlier this year and the elimination of about 670 positions last year.

IGN has contacted EA for comment.