Returning to the Game

Returning to the Game: Why Professionals Come Back to EA Romania?

In a constantly changing world, recruitment trends are also transforming, increasingly orienting towards diversity and innovation. Candidates from different backgrounds or industries bring a new perspective to the projects they work on. At the same time, however, there is a rising market trend of former employees returning to the company they previously left.

[Anca, Talent Acquisition Manager]

[EN] This phenomenon, known as "the boomerang employees," has become increasingly common in recent years. It also happens here, at Electronic Arts Romania, and we are pleased to see former colleagues returning to continue their careers with us. Some feel the need to return to a familiar environment, while others miss the work atmosphere, colleagues, and organizational culture. 

The company also benefits from this: former employees adapt faster, bring in new ideas due to the external experience gained, and perform at high standards.

Our former colleagues go through our standard recruitment process, a fair one, where everyone has access to the professional opportunities Electronic Arts Romania offers.

We asked our colleagues who returned to Electronic Arts Romania what convinced them to return, and here is what they answered.

1/ What made you come back to EA?

[Cătălin] The opportunity of continuous growth and learning while being focused on something I love: creating and delivering great experiences for an incredible community. During my absence from EA, I also missed the great organization, the processes in place on a Project/ Franchise level, and the ongoing improvements and changes that are happening. 

[Maria] My first experience with EA was through an internship – and I knew I didn’t want it to be my last. I wanted to continue my story with EA because it is a healthy environment where you can learn a lot. You can take something from every colleague, the opportunities are endless. Plus, there already are processes that make everything work smoothly. Growth, development, and innovation are always encouraged. After all, the community leaves a mark on you – and you too can leave a mark on the community. 

[Daniel] I came back because I have always been passionate about gaming. The opportunity, privilege, and responsibility to leave my mark on a triple-A game that reaches millions of people worldwide gives me immense satisfaction. Of course, what also helped was the employment opportunity to work “fully remote” for people who aren’t based in Bucharest.

[George] The decision to return to EA was driven by several key factors:

Opportunities for Growth: EA offers an environment where growth is encouraged and facilitated. Here, I can focus on what I genuinely enjoy doing.

Unwavering Support: One of the most significant aspects of EA is the unwavering support provided. Whether it's professional development, tackling challenges, or pursuing new ventures, there's always a supportive network ready to assist you.

Diverse Career Paths: EA presents a healthy choice of career paths. This diversity allows for experimentation, enabling individuals to delve into new roles and discover their passions. If something resonates, the pathway to pursue it is clear and supported.

Personal Journey: Having been part of EA three times now (2010-2015; 2019-2022; 2023-present), including this tenure, I embarked on different paths seeking new experiences, particularly in the gaming industry. However, none of the other companies I ventured into could match the sense of satisfaction I find here. The organizational culture, processes, and overall environment create a unique blend that keeps drawing me back, reaffirming my belief in the value of this organization.

[Adrian] The decision to come back to EA happened for these particular reasons: 

My previous experience with EA was positive, including the culture, the people, and the atmosphere. 

I applied for a position on a team I knew very well and had always had a great impression of.

The choice I made is an essential step in my professional and personal development.

2/ Can you give us some examples of the culture and work environment that convinced you to come back?

[Cătălin] I love the whole EA culture and work environment as it promotes diversity and inclusion. It allows you to work and interact with many different people and cultures, which gives you a whole new perspective on various people and cultural differences by sharing knowledge and lived experiences. 

[Maria] We have a very diverse community, and this becomes an infinite source to gather new perspectives and knowledge. This way, things are always changing, and you have no time to get bored or feel stuck. If, however, you feel that one scenario isn’t right for you, there are many opportunities to find your place inside EA. One great advice I got when I joined the team was: “You’re a person first, not just an employee. The atmosphere is relaxed, and we also get things done.”

[Daniel] The work environment is focused on delivering a complete experience for players. This means interacting with many people, many teams, and many fields, all fuelled by the same goal: to create the most authentic football game in the world (EA SPORTS FC). Because we all play a key role in creating the same product, it’s always easy to get the help you need.  

[George] These examples illustrate how EA's culture and work environment prioritize inclusivity, camaraderie, and creativity, ultimately making it an appealing place to work and return to:

Inclusive Culture: EA's structure and work ethics foster an inclusive culture where everyone feels welcomed and valued. Whether you're a newcomer or returning, the atmosphere is consistently friendly and inviting. This inclusivity contributes to a sense of belonging, crucial for employee morale and productivity.

Diversity: EA's diverse population is a testament to its commitment to inclusivity. This diversity enriches our conversations and sparks innovative ideas during our day-to-day activities. Different perspectives and backgrounds contribute to a dynamic and vibrant workplace where creativity thrives and solutions are more comprehensive.

[Adrian] One of the factors I took into account when contemplating my return to EA was the easiness of our collaboration and communication. Considering that most of our values are aligned, connecting with other colleagues comes naturally. 

3/ What changes have you noticed in the company since you left until you returned? How did you experience the onboarding, given your previous experience with EA?

[Cătălin] The onboarding process was very smooth for me, as I already had previous experience with the project, and returning to the same one was very nice. On the Quality Design side, the onboarding was with our Senior Quality Designers, who explained and presented what changed since I left, which led to a rapid and easy transition. 

[Maria] When I got back to EA, I noticed some changes inside our team—and that meant new colleagues. I also saw some progress in processes, and that was not surprising since the company always wanted to grow and improve. The positives stayed the same. My colleagues helped me feel as if I was never gone, and the onboarding went way faster compared to the first time. 

[Daniel] When I returned to the company, even though five years had passed, I discovered many friendly faces. Not having to start exactly from scratch made me very happy and at ease. I also found a new organigram, updated processes, and, overall, a professional team and studio. 

[George] Upon returning to EA, I observed notable changes that reflect the EA's evolution since my departure: 

Shift Towards AI and Automation: One prominent change I noticed was the increased emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. There's a concerted effort to streamline and enhance the testing process, making it more efficient and effective. This shift allows for greater focus on tackling technical and complex challenges, signaling EA's commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in our games.

Reflecting on my onboarding experience, I found it remarkably smooth, particularly upon my return in 2023. Being reintegrated into the same project I had previously worked on 1.5 years prior meant that I could quickly familiarize myself with any changes and acclimate to the new faces within the team. This familiarity expedited my reintegration process, enabling me to catch up and contribute to ongoing projects swiftly.

However, I vividly recall my initial onboarding experience in 2019 when I joined the project. Despite being a newcomer, I found the onboarding process well-structured and supportive. I received the necessary guidance and assistance, and together with my colleagues, we established a solid baseline from which to commence our work. This positive onboarding experience set the tone for my tenure at EA, instilling confidence and facilitating a smooth transition into my role.

Overall, my experiences with EA's onboarding processes have been consistently positive, underscoring the organization's commitment to facilitating seamless transitions and empowering employees to thrive.

[Adrian] Even though 4 years have passed, I feel like I only left yesterday. If there were changes, they certainly were positive.

4/ What would be the unique professional growth opportunities at EA Romania?

[Cătălin] What I noticed that’s different between EA and other companies is that EA provides a large variety of roles and specializations that can help you improve your area of expertise or gain more experience (some people are focused on Product Experience, some are focused on Analytics, while others are excellent on Automation side). 

[Daniel] EA has always been a company that supports the growth and development of its employees. With so many branches of game development, from design to planning, from implementation to delivery, you have the opportunity to interact with any of these roles, no matter what your current position is. My managers have always supported me when I wanted to step into a position with more responsibility, but also when I expressed interest in the game design process.

If you’re ready to change the game, you’ve come to the right place. Join our team at Electronic Arts Romania.