IWGB Game Workers
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Studio Behind GTA-Like PlayStation 5 Game Shuts Down
Build a Rocket Boy, the studio behind the PlayStation 5 game MindsEye, is shutting down permanently after multiple rounds of layoffs and accusations of unlawful employee monitoring. The IWGB Games Worker Union has stated its commitment to seeking justice for the workers. Several employees have confirmed their departure from the company.
State of the Unions: the rise of unionisation in games workplaces
The video games industry is experiencing a significant rise in unionization as workers seek better labor rights and protections against harsh working conditions. Unions like SAG-AFTRA, ZeniMax workers, and various groups at major studios have successfully advocated for improved pay, AI protections, and remote work policies. Representatives from IWGB, Solidaires Informatique, and the Polish Gamedev Workers Union highlight global progress and ongoing challenges, emphasizing the growing power of collective bargaining.
Rockstar had a mole in the union worker Discord server "for over two and a half years", GTA 6 company reveals during legal battle
Rockstar Games and its parent company Take-Two Interactive are embroiled in a legal battle with 34 former UK employees who were fired for alleged gross misconduct related to a union Discord server. The employees claim they were dismissed to prevent union recognition, while Rockstar alleges a mole provided information on union activity for over two and a half years, including details about Grand Theft Auto 6 development. The court filings present conflicting accounts of the Discord server's security and the nature of the leaked information.
Labor unions challenge Xbox, GameStop CEO says physical game sales are 'irrelevant,' and Glen Schofield retires - Patch Notes #61
Labor unions have filed unfair labor practice charges against Microsoft for allegedly mishandling recent Xbox layoffs, citing "coercive actions" and "unilateral changes." Meanwhile, Dead Space co-creator Glen Schofield has retired from game development, and GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen stated that physical game sales are "irrelevant" to the company's business.
IWGB Game Workers union forms 'redundancy taskforce' to defend workers' rights
The IWGB Game Workers Union has formed a new taskforce to support workers facing redundancy, aiming to ensure all layoffs are legal and fair. This initiative comes amid widespread layoffs in the industry, including recent cuts at Xbox and Rockstar Games. The union highlights the need for solidarity and worker empowerment against what they describe as mismanagement and greed.
22 trade union leaders have signed a letter joining the call for GTA 6 developer Rockstar to recognise the IWGB Game Workers union
Twenty-two trade union leaders have signed a letter urging Rockstar Games to recognize the IWGB Game Workers union. The letter, addressed to studio director Jennifer Kolbe and head of HR Rob Spampinato, emphasizes the right of all workers to unionize and calls on Rockstar to begin bargaining with the IWGB. This action follows reports of alleged crunch, a widening gender pay gap, and union-busting tactics at the Grand Theft Auto 6 developer.
