Labor Relations
Ongoing coverage on Labor Relations.
Latest coverage
What is the Game Developer Podcast? | GameDeveloper.com
The GameDeveloper.com podcast features interviews with prominent figures in the video game industry, discussing game development, design challenges, and labor relations. Hosted by Bryant Francis, the bi-weekly show includes past conversations with developers like Liz England, Sarah Elmaleh, and Charles Cecil, covering topics from game preservation to marketing.
Rockstar developers seek union recognition and accuse studio of crunch and poor compensation
The Rockstar Game Workers Union has requested voluntary recognition from the studio, citing issues with pay transparency, crunch, and compensation. This follows legal disputes where Rockstar was accused of union busting. Workers report inconsistent bonuses, difficulty with promotions, and mandated crunch, with the company also reverting on flexible work promises.
Ubisoft Barcelona staff goes on strike over proposed layoffs
Ubisoft Barcelona employees have initiated strikes lasting until July 17, protesting proposed layoffs that could affect 51 workers. The studio is set to be restructured to focus solely on the Rainbow Six franchise. Workers are demanding job security, adherence to internal promotions, improved salary and benefits, and a return to a 60% remote work model.
GTA 6 studio Rockstar "will arrange to meet" union reps following devs' request for recognition, assuring it gives teams "world-class work environments" amid demands for "fairer crunch practices"
Rockstar Games has stated it will meet with union representatives following a request for official recognition from its UK developers. The developers are seeking pay transparency, fairer crunch practices, and better flexible working arrangements. This comes after accusations of union-busting in 2025 and an ongoing dispute with the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain.
'I cannot do my job when Microsoft refuses to do theirs', say Xbox union workers as destructive reset looms from a company that spent over $80 billion on AI last year
Unionized workers at Microsoft and its subsidiaries are speaking out against the company's pattern of layoffs and studio closures, despite significant investments in AI and high executive pay. Employees express frustration over job insecurity, feeling expendable despite hard work and successful projects. They argue that Microsoft has the financial resources to protect its workforce, citing billions invested in AI and recent console price increases, and are demanding better treatment and transparency.
UK workers request voluntary union recognition at Rockstar
Rockstar Games employees in the UK, organized as the Rockstar Game Workers Union (RGWU) and affiliated with the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB), have formally requested voluntary union recognition. This move aims to establish collective bargaining rights concerning pay transparency, flexible working, and overtime. The request follows ongoing legal disputes over alleged unfair dismissals and accusations of union busting by Rockstar, which the company denies. If recognized, RGWU would make Rockstar the second UK developer with a union.
Developers at a Ubisoft studio have gone on strike in response to the publisher's latest round of sweeping layoffs
Developers at Ubisoft Barcelona have gone on strike protesting recent layoffs and demanding job security, a return to remote work, and the approval of internal promotions. The strike, organized by the union La Confederación General del Trabajo, is part of ongoing turmoil for Ubisoft following studio closures and restructuring.
Rockstar Games Employees Request Voluntary Recognition of Union
Employees at Rockstar Games have requested voluntary recognition of the IWGB union, following the formation of the Rockstar Game Workers Union. If recognized, Rockstar Games would be the second UK studio to unionize, potentially leading to improved worker protections and rights through collective bargaining. The company stated it will engage in open dialogue regarding the union's recognition.
Rockstar union rep claims GTA 6 bosses can "easily afford" demands after reportedly generating $3 billion in pre-orders as devs call for "fairer crunch" and "pay transparency"
Rockstar Games developers in the UK are seeking official union recognition, with the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain citing the reported $3 billion in Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-order sales as evidence the company can afford their demands. Key objectives include pay transparency, fairer crunch practices, and better flexible working arrangements. The union is also involved in an ongoing legal dispute with Rockstar over the firing of 31 workers involved in union activity.
Rockstar Games staff push for union recognition ahead of GTA VI launch
Employees at Rockstar Games are seeking official union recognition through the IWGB Game Workers Union ahead of the Grand Theft Auto VI launch. This effort follows alleged dismissals of union members in October 2025, which the union is challenging as union-busting. Union recognition would provide formal collective bargaining rights and workplace protections for employees.
Business and Finance
Developers at Rockstar Games are reportedly pushing for official union recognition following alleged sackings in 2025. The article suggests that the union's strength has increased.
Rockstar devs could go on strike before GTA 6 launch as unionization talks grow
Developers at Rockstar Games are pursuing union recognition ahead of the Grand Theft Auto 6 launch, citing mass firings last year as a catalyst. Employees are prepared to strike if the company does not voluntarily recognize the union, seeking formal collective bargaining and workplace protections. The union aims to prevent future issues and honor the contributions of dismissed colleagues.
Quantic Dream Insists Its Star Wars Eclipse Team Has 'All the Necessary Resources to Complete Its Mission,' Despite Striking Staff Claiming Risk of Cancellation
Quantic Dream has stated that Star Wars Eclipse is proceeding as planned, despite recent studio layoffs and claims from striking employees that the project is at risk of cancellation. The studio insists the development team has all necessary resources to complete the mission.
GTA 6 makers have 10 working days to voluntarily recognise Rockstar IWGB Game Workers Union or it may go to a government tribunal
The newly formed Rockstar IWGB Game Workers Union is demanding official recognition from Rockstar Games, with a ten-day deadline to voluntarily comply. If Rockstar refuses, the union can pursue statutory recognition through a government tribunal. This effort follows previous unionization attempts and disputes over employee firings.
Grand Theft Auto developers seek union recognition at Rockstar
UK-based employees at Grand Theft Auto VI developer Rockstar Games have requested voluntary union recognition under the Rockstar Game Workers Union, affiliated with the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain. The union aims to negotiate on issues such as pay transparency, flexible working, and crunch. This follows accusations that Rockstar fired 31 employees in retaliation for union activity, which the company denies.
Ubisoft Barcelona staff go on strike over 51 staff being laid off
Staff at Ubisoft's Barcelona studio are organizing strikes and demanding job security following proposed layoffs of 51 workers. The union is pushing for a five-year protection against mass layoffs, the fulfillment of agreed promotions, and improved work-life balance measures. These actions come amid broader cost-cutting initiatives at Ubisoft, which has also seen the closure of its Winnipeg and Belgrade studios.
State of Decay studio Undead Labs potentially up for closure, sources claim, with Bethesda and Blizzard also facing layoffs
Microsoft is reportedly planning significant layoffs across its gaming division, potentially including the closure of Undead Labs, the studio behind State of Decay. Bethesda and Blizzard Entertainment are also expected to face substantial job cuts as part of a company-wide "reset." Union workers are negotiating with management to protect jobs or secure severance packages amid these widespread reductions.
CWA union says Xbox workers are not "disposable" as layoffs loom
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union is supporting Xbox employees facing potential layoffs, stating they will not be treated as "disposable." Union representatives highlighted Microsoft's financial resources, including recent console price increases and executive compensation, as evidence that layoffs are a choice. An Xbox spokesperson acknowledged the company respects employees' rights and is negotiating in good faith with the CWA.
Comings and Goings
Unionized Xbox developers held a press conference to voice concerns as Microsoft reportedly prepares for significant layoffs. These workforce reductions are expected to occur after the current fiscal year concludes.
Layoffs looming, Xbox union members argue for transparency and good-faith bargaining
Xbox union members are advocating for transparency and good-faith bargaining as potential layoffs loom. The union aims to ensure clear communication and fair negotiation processes with the company.