Labor Relations
Ongoing coverage on Labor Relations.
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Bethesda union says company HR forced staff to remove a display honoring their laid-off colleagues
The Bethesda Game Studios Union reported that HR forced employees to remove a display honoring colleagues who were laid off during recent Xbox job cuts. The union stated that common areas are typically used for various displays, but HR deemed the memorial inappropriate. This incident occurred amidst significant layoffs across Microsoft's gaming division, impacting numerous long-term employees.
Fallout and Elder Scrolls union says Bethesda layoffs didn't hurt Microsoft's "14 layers of management" – "We lost dozens of programmers, artists, designers and testers"
Microsoft's recent layoffs significantly impacted Bethesda Game Studios, ZeniMax Online, Obsidian Entertainment, and id Software, affecting dozens of programmers, artists, designers, and testers, not just management. The Bethesda Game Studios Union expressed outrage, calling the cuts a "stressful annual routine" and urging fans to voice concerns through Microsoft's feedback portal to prevent future layoffs and studio closures.
Build a Rocket Boy staff to protest upcoming "all-expenses-paid" fan event
Staff at Build a Rocket Boy are planning a protest outside their Edinburgh offices this weekend. Workers are reportedly unhappy about an upcoming "all-expenses-paid" fan event for the game MindsEye, especially given the studio's significant headcount cuts and the game's poor reception since its June 2025 release. The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain is expected to join the demonstration.
Workers at MindsEye studio protesting controversial fan event this weekend after multiple rounds of layoffs
Workers at the MindsEye development studio, Build A Rocket Boy, are protesting a fan event scheduled for this weekend due to the company's recent multiple rounds of layoffs. Employees, supported by the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain, are also concerned about alleged invasive surveillance software previously installed on their devices. This protest follows a history of labor disputes and accusations of corporate sabotage against the studio's leadership.
"Workers deserve protection, not to be treated like disposable line items" – Hundreds of union members affected by Xbox layoffs
Hundreds of union members from the Communication Workers of America were impacted by recent layoffs at Xbox, which saw 3,200 positions eliminated and five studios divested. The CWA is pursuing legal and contractual actions to protect affected workers, including bargaining for severance and recall rights. Union leaders criticized Microsoft's treatment of employees and expressed disappointment with slow progress on contract negotiations, while Xbox leadership cited strategic overextension as a reason for the cuts.
Bethesda union blasts Microsoft as Xbox layoffs hit the Fallout and Elder Scrolls studio, too: "When will this cycle of cuts in pursuit of ever-greater profits end?"
Microsoft has initiated significant layoffs across its Xbox division, impacting Bethesda Game Studios and other developers. The Bethesda Game Studios Union expressed frustration over the recurring cuts, highlighting the impact on long-term employees and calling for an end to profit-driven redundancies. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma cited weak operating margins and underperforming investments as reasons for the restructuring, which includes potential strategic shifts for studios like Arkane.
GTA6 devs accuse Rockstar of crunch and pay inequity, Spanish Ubisoft devs go on strike
Developers at Rockstar Games have accused the studio of crunch, pay inequity, and using legal loopholes to bypass UK labor laws, amidst the development of Grand Theft Auto VI. Meanwhile, Ubisoft Barcelona developers in Spain have gone on strike over restructuring and job losses, demanding better working conditions and job security. A new fund has also been established to financially assist game developers who have lost their jobs.
Digging into SAG-AFTRA’s Stellar Win With Sarah Elmaleh
Actor and SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media Negotiating Committee chair Sarah Elmaleh discusses the recent Interactive Media Agreement that ended an 11-month strike. The deal includes improved actor pay, new safety standards, and terms for the use of generative AI, giving actors more control over their data. Elmaleh shares her experience navigating the three-year negotiation process.
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.
