EA has detailed a new in-office working policy that will see all local employees return at least three days a week, and largely phase out remote roles.
The changes mean any employee living within a 30-mile radius will be required to commute at least three days a week under a new hyrbid policy.
Employees working outside of that 30-mile radius will continue to work remotely unless their role is designated oherwise – though there’s uncertainty over EA saying it will additionally “sunset the Offsite Local work model” over the next “three to 24 months”, depending on location.
Staff members this affects told IGN they believe this means existing remote workers will have their “exemptions” removed over the next two years, with uncertainty over any remote working after that time.
Certainly, it sounds like fully remote work will be an exception going forward. Any exception to the above policies or future hiring for a remote position will need direct approval from EA CEO Andrew Wilson or company president Laura Miele, the latter said in an email, describing the changes as a shift from “a decentralised approach to a globally consistent, enterprise-wide work model”.
Explaining the changes, Wilson said in-person work was EA’s preference as it provided “a kinetic energy that fuels creativity, innovation, and connection, often resulting in unexpected breakthroughs that lead to incredible experiences for our players”.
Eurogamer has contacted EA for detail on how this policy will impact the company’s UK studios.
Numerous employers are attempting to bring staff back to offices following years of remote working – to a mixed response. In March 2024, developers working on GTA 6 criticised Rockstar for telling employees they must return to the office full-time with just a month’s notice, calling the decision “reckless”. Protests were held by Call of Duty developers in autumn last year over Activision’s return-to-office plans, around the same time Ubisoft workers also went on strike in Paris. And in late 2023, Roblox told most employees to return to the office part-time or take a severance package.