Corporate Culture
Ongoing coverage on Corporate Culture.
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EA morale hits a new low amid AI push and BioWare closure: "A cold dead place that's slowly decaying as leadership pilfers every last cent"
Morale at Electronic Arts is reportedly at an all-time low following recent layoffs and the closure of BioWare's studio. Employees describe the layoff process as impersonal and disruptive, with management pushing generative AI tools despite employee concerns. The publisher's acquisition by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has also led to significant cost-cutting measures.
Bobby Kotick returns: former Activision boss becomes board member of Skydance, the new company formed by Paramount and Warner Bros
Former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick has joined the board of Skydance, a new entertainment company formed by the merger of Warner Bros. and Paramount. This move comes despite ongoing controversies surrounding Kotick's leadership at Activision, including allegations of a toxic company culture and knowledge of sexual misconduct. Skydance's CEO David Ellison praised Kotick's experience in building franchises, while the merger also combines the gaming divisions of Warner Bros. and Paramount.
Japanese companies like Nintendo, Capcom, and Konami are healthier because they have smaller teams, don't have frequent layoffs, and don't pay executives $30 million, says expert
An expert suggests that Japanese game companies like Nintendo, Capcom, and Konami are more stable due to smaller teams, fewer layoffs, and more reasonable executive salaries compared to their Western counterparts. While global layoffs are projected to reach over 57,000 between 2022 and 2026, the majority of these events and affected workers are concentrated in North America and Europe, with California being particularly hard-hit.
After announcing StarCraft and Diablo 5 years in advance, Blizzard president promises "to ship, and ship big, and…
Blizzard Entertainment president Johanna Faries expressed confidence in the long-term development of StarCraft and Diablo 5, despite their distant release windows of 2030 and 2029 respectively. Faries stated the company's commitment to shipping games on time and emphasized preserving Blizzard's unique culture amidst Microsoft's ownership and recent layoffs.
Former Bethsoft devs claim Microsoft changed the company and mishandled recent layoffs
Former Bethesda developers claim that Microsoft's ownership has led to significant changes in company culture, including the introduction of annual layoffs. They allege that Microsoft mishandled the recent reduction in force, ignoring employee proposals and impacting morale and institutional knowledge.
EA's Saudi takeover wouldn't have happened if the company's culture "had any semblance of a moral backbone", say staff fearing layoffs and ownership meddling
Electronic Arts staff express significant concerns following the company's takeover by the Saudi Arabian government and Jared Kushner's investment group. Employees fear potential layoffs, interference with creative decisions, and a negative impact on company culture due to the new ownership's values. Despite EA's assurances, staff feel uneasy and compelled to stay due to the difficult job market.
EA employees brace for the worst under Saudi ownership: 'Hard to feel good about being bought out by a regime that's very much at odds with progressive society'
Employees at Electronic Arts are reportedly concerned about potential content restrictions following the company's acquisition by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Despite reassurances, staff fear a crackdown on diverse and inclusive game content, with some citing concerns over human rights and the practice of sportswashing.
Doom developer slams Xbox after layoffs hit id Software: "They fundamentally don't understand art. They…
A lead services programmer at id Software, Chris Hays, criticized Xbox's management following significant layoffs at the Doom developer, stating they do not understand art or games. Hays expressed concern about the studio's ability to create games of similar scope with a reduced workforce, questioning how essential departments will be maintained. Despite these concerns, Doom: The Dark Ages director Hugo Martin refuted claims that the studio is in no shape to make games.
Level-5 tests employees knowledge of company resulting in significant pay rises
Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino revealed in an interview that the company extensively tests employees on their knowledge of its games and philosophy. Those who perform well on these tests are rewarded with significant pay raises, indicating a focus on internal expertise and company alignment.
'Significant' Pay Rises Offered by Professor Layton Studio — if You Correctly Answer Quizzes About the Company's Games
Professor Layton developer Level-5 is offering significant pay rises to potential employees who can correctly answer quizzes about the company's games. This unique hiring initiative aims to test candidates' knowledge of Level-5's game catalog.
Nintendo talks about how its preserving the Nintendo DNA while adding more staff
Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa addressed concerns about preserving the company's unique 'Nintendo DNA' as it increases headcount. He emphasized the importance of work experience, cooperation with senior colleagues, and training, including input from Shigeru Miyamoto, to ensure these values are passed on to new employees.
Save the date: the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit returns in October
The GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit will return for its fourth year on Thursday, October 1st, at the Royal Institution in London. The event will focus on key issues affecting people and culture professionals in the games industry and will be followed by the Best Places To Work Awards. Early Bird tickets are now available.
John Carmack apologizes after Sandy Petersen says 'Quake ruined id Software,' and for once John Romero…
Following the 30th anniversary of Quake, co-designer Sandy Petersen stated that the game 'ruined id Software' spiritually due to its intense development cycle, leading to many key figures leaving. John Carmack apologized for pushing the team too hard and for the overly ambitious technical scope of Quake, while John Romero echoed sentiments about the unsustainable pace. Despite the toll, all involved acknowledged Quake's status as an iconic game.
Even Gods Dread Mondays: Corporate Roguelike Deckbuilder ‘PrayPal’ Officially Revealed for Steam
Developer Yith Game and GCORES PUBLISHING have officially revealed PrayPal, a satirical roguelike deckbuilder coming to Steam. Players manage a mortal realm as a disgruntled deity, using card decks to unleash miracles or disasters while navigating corporate office politics and performance reviews. The game features multiple playable gods, hundreds of 'Authority' cards, and a darkly comedic narrative.
Just Press the Button, a a dystopian narrative game, incoming for Nintendo Switch
Sonomio Games announced that its dystopian narrative game, Just Press the Button, will be released on Nintendo Switch on June 18, 2026. The game places players in the role of an employee at Enterprise Corp, tasked with pressing a button when instructed, with promotions and consequences tied to their obedience and performance. The digital download will cost $2.99.
TSMC employees can now buy company-branded shoes modelled by CEO C.C. Wei, or a chip-themed rice cooker with a…
TSMC employees can now purchase company-branded merchandise, including shoes modelled by CEO C.C. Wei and a chip-themed rice cooker. These items are part of a "self-funded gifts" program, with proceeds from sales going to the TSMC Charity Foundation. The company has reiterated that the merchandise is for personal use and prohibited from resale.
Business and Finance
Roblox has reported its first quarter 2026 financial results. A statement from a gaming CEO indicated a shift in perspective regarding long-term employee job security, suggesting a more pragmatic approach to workforce management.
Monument Valley CEO Calls Job Security 'Too Romantic' | HappyGamer
The CEO of Ustwo, the studio behind Monument Valley, has sparked controversy by calling job security 'too romantic' amidst industry-wide layoffs. This statement contrasts with the current climate of mass job cuts at companies like Microsoft and Sony Interactive Entertainment. The article argues that prioritizing shareholders over employees is a shortsighted business practice that damages the industry's reputation and talent retention.
Enjoying Valve's famous paid "vacation in Hawaii," engineer jokes he's "in a dark room like a vampire" on Github anyway – a fitting use of Steam bucks
Valve engineer Fletcher Dunn confirmed he is enjoying the company's paid Hawaii vacation while working on his laptop, sparking discussions about Valve's unique company culture. The article contrasts Valve's employee perks with recent layoffs at Epic Games and examines the intense fan investment in Valve due to Steam's dominance in PC gaming.
The Outer Worlds and Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag share an unlikely lesson: we make our own pirates
This article draws a parallel between the fictional pirates in The Outer Worlds and historical pirates from Assassin's Creed: Black Flag, highlighting how mass layoffs and lack of economic opportunities can lead to individuals turning to piracy. It discusses how corporate practices, such as non-compete clauses and the refusal to rehire laid-off employees, can force individuals into desperate situations, mirroring historical patterns of privateers becoming pirates after conflicts ended.
