Labor Relations
Ongoing coverage on Labor Relations.
Latest coverage
"Without us, Bethesda games aren’t Bethesda games": Rallies against Microsoft layoffs at Elder Scrolls studio continue, with unionised devs' morale "on the upswing"
Unionized developers at Bethesda Softworks continue to rally against Microsoft's recent layoffs, which have impacted staff across Xbox Game Studios. Developers express concern over the company's handling of the reductions in force and the effect on game development timelines for titles like The Elder Scrolls 6. Despite low morale regarding work, there is optimism about the ongoing union organizing efforts.
Don't boycott Grand Theft Auto 6, say workers fired by Rockstar - buy a T-shirt to help fund the legal battle instead
Workers fired by Rockstar Games have requested that fans do not boycott Grand Theft Auto 6, but instead support their ongoing legal battle against the company through T-shirt sales. The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain is representing the 31 former employees who were dismissed for alleged gross misconduct. Take-Two Interactive's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, has expressed no concern about the legal dispute impacting Grand Theft Auto 6 sales.
Do Not Boycott GTA 6, Fired Rockstar Workers Tell Fans: 'There’s a Better Way to Support Us and Hold Rockstar to Account'
Former Rockstar Games employees involved in a legal dispute have urged fans not to boycott Grand Theft Auto 6. They suggest that there are more effective ways to support them and hold Rockstar accountable for their actions.
Bethsoft devs roast Microsoft with a giant inflatable rat as unions plan huge rallies next week
Developers at Bethesda Game Studios have protested Microsoft's recent mass layoffs by erecting a giant inflatable rat and flags representing laid-off workers outside their Rockville HQ. This action precedes planned rallies by Microsoft game developers across the US and Canada on August 18th to protest layoffs and corporate greed.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's internal playthrough of The Elder Scrolls 6 disrupted by a giant inflatable rat, as Bethesda union protests cuts
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's internal playthrough of The Elder Scrolls 6 was disrupted by a protest organized by the CWA video game union outside Bethesda's offices. The protest, featuring a giant inflatable rat and red flags representing laid-off employees, aimed to highlight the substantial job cuts made by Microsoft. Sharma briefly commented on the game's scale and story on X, while the union vowed to continue fighting against the layoffs.
The Elder Scrolls 6 demo had a surprise guest at Bethesda HQ: a giant inflatable rat set up by protesting employees to watch Xbox execs who oversaw "devastating layoffs"
During a visit from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma to Bethesda, protesting employees displayed a giant inflatable rat and hundreds of flags to highlight the significant layoffs that have occurred under Microsoft's leadership. The demonstration aimed to remind executives of the workers impacted by these cuts and advocate for fair treatment and the future of the game industry.
As Xbox head Asha Sharma reportedly visits Bethesda HQ, workers put up red flags representing laid off staff and a giant inflatable rat outside
Communications Workers of America union members protested outside Bethesda's headquarters with red flags representing laid-off workers and a giant inflatable rat. The protest coincided with a reported visit from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and highlights ongoing concerns about Microsoft's significant layoffs within its gaming divisions, including Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.
Stalker 2 is finally letting us explore the Chornobyl Power Plant
GSC Game World has released new footage of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Cost of Hope DLC, showcasing the Iron Forest and Chornobyl Power Plant areas. The expansion, launching August 20th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, will add dozens of hours of content. Meanwhile, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed no concern over labor disputes at Rockstar Games impacting the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6, highlighting the company's strong employee relations.
Take-Two boss "not in the least" concerned bad press around Rockstar's employment tribunal will affect GTA 6 launch
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed no concern about potential negative impacts on the Grand Theft Auto 6 launch due to recent press surrounding Rockstar Games' employment tribunal and alleged union-busting. Zelnick highlighted the company's pride in its labor relations and low attrition rates, stating that game development practices are separate from labor relations. The article also touches on Take-Two's financial report and the increasing shift towards digital game distribution.
EA taken private by Saudi Arabia, GTA marketing jumps the shark, and Devolver's huge mistake - Patch Notes #64
Electronic Arts has been taken private by an investor consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund for $55 billion. Devolver Digital is seeking to delist from the London Stock Exchange due to the incompatibility of short-term investor demands with the volatile video game industry. Additionally, the next trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI will premiere exclusively on Netflix before a wider release.
King declines collective bargaining agreement with Swedish unions
King, the developer of Candy Crush, has decided not to enter into a collective bargaining agreement with Swedish trade unions Unionen and Sveriges Ingenjörer. The company stated that its existing benefits and operating structure are better suited for its employees and operations in Sweden. This decision follows nearly a year of negotiations and comes despite employee interest in the security and influence a CBA could provide.
Candy Crush maker King has declined staff's collective bargaining agreement
King, a Microsoft-owned studio known for Candy Crush, has declined its staff's collective bargaining agreement after a year of negotiations with Swedish trade unions. The company cited its current benefits and operating model as reasons for the decision, stating they are better for employees and the company's operations in Sweden. Union representatives expressed disappointment but remain committed to supporting King's staff.
"If Quantic Dream wants to destroy jobs, it must pay": French union call strike as they demand extension to layoff negotiations with Star Wars Eclipse studio
The French union Syndicat des Travailleureuses du Jeu Vidéo (STJV) has called for an open-ended strike at Quantic Dream, citing stalled negotiations over planned layoffs affecting approximately 115 workers. The union accuses the company of imposing illegal deadlines and ignoring worker proposals, demanding an extension to the negotiation period and the inclusion of their propositions in the layoff plan.
Two years later and Wizards of the Coast loses another president
John Hight, President of Wizards of the Coast, is stepping down after two years in the role. This follows a period of significant financial performance for brands like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, but also challenges in video game development and labor disputes within Magic: The Gathering Arena. Hight will transition to an advisor role with Hasbro, the parent company.
Two years on from taking the role, Wizards of the Coast's president is stepping down
John Hight is stepping down as President of Wizards of the Coast on September 1st, after two years in the role, and will move into an advisory position. This transition occurs shortly after parent company Hasbro reported a significant impairment charge. Wizards of the Coast stated that its core games, Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, are performing well, and their upcoming video game slate remains on track.
Rise of the Robots
Hyundai has stated that its plans for humanoid robots are not part of discussions with striking workers. This clarification comes amid ongoing labor negotiations.
MMO Business Roundup: GTA 6’s union meeting, EA’s Saudi sale, and Steam’s wishlist updates
Rockstar Games' union reported a positive first meeting with management regarding negotiations for worker protections like no crunch and pay transparency. Separately, the European Union Commission cleared Electronic Arts' $55 billion sale to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, making the deal more likely to finalize. Steam has also updated its wishlist functionality to include categories and improved search.
Saudi-led EA buyout receives EU approval, Xbox trials ad-supported game streaming, and Poinpy is eternal - Patch Notes #62
The European Commission has approved the Saudi-led buyout of Electronic Arts, while Xbox is trialing ad-supported game streaming for select titles. Separately, the mobile platformer Poinpy has returned, and news emerges about a revived Kinect game, scrapped Pokémon designs, and legal disputes involving Nintendo and Bethesda employees.
Rockstar Games Workers Union say their first meeting with the GTA 6 studio's management was "a step in the right direction"
The recently formed Rockstar Games Workers Union, part of the IWGB, has described their first meeting with Rockstar management as a positive step towards voluntary recognition. The union has secured a roadmap for negotiations and plans to address issues like crunch, pay transparency, flexible working, and AI usage if recognized. They can pursue statutory recognition if voluntary agreement is not reached.
After claiming GTA 6 devs have crunch "built into" their contracts, union says "first meeting with Rockstar management" was "a step in the right direction"
The Rockstar Games Workers Union has had its first meeting with Rockstar management following its bid for recognition, calling it a step in the right direction. The union aims to negotiate terms including no crunch, paid overtime, pay transparency, flexible working, no layoffs, and protection against AI job replacement. Rockstar has requested negotiations before agreeing to voluntary recognition, and the union is working to define the bargaining unit.
