UK Employment Law
Ongoing coverage on UK Employment Law.
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GTA 6 Developers Are About To Do Something Historic
Workers at Rockstar Games, the developer of Grand Theft Auto 6, are set to vote on union recognition between November 12-26. The IWGB Union at Rockstar aims to give UK-based developers a stronger voice on issues like pay, overtime, and AI policies. This potential unionization, alongside an ongoing employment tribunal regarding alleged firings for union activity, could set a historic precedent for the UK video game industry.
UK-based Rockstar devs will be putting their union recognition to a vote during GTA 6's launch next month
Rockstar Games employees in the UK will vote on union recognition with the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) during the launch month of Grand Theft Auto 6. The vote, scheduled from November 12th to November 26th, coincides with an ongoing employment tribunal concerning alleged union-busting layoffs from a year prior. Union representatives express a desire for greater transparency regarding pay, overtime, and job security.
Demystifying unions: What games leaders need to know
This article provides insights for video game company leaders on understanding and working with labor unions, emphasizing a collaborative rather than combative approach. It highlights new UK Employment Rights Act changes that mandate union access and discusses how to foster ongoing, productive relationships, noting that strikes are a last resort. The piece also touches on the importance of seeking legal advice and separating wider union issues from individual circumstances, using the Rockstar Games vs. IWGB case as an example.
Conclusion of Rockstar's employment tribunal delayed into November, almost day and date with GTA 6's release
The employment tribunal between Rockstar Games and laid-off union members has been extended into November, coinciding with the release of Grand Theft Auto 6. The case, which involves allegations of union-busting by Rockstar, will see further witness cross-examination. Separately, Ubisoft announced the closure of RedLynx, developer of the Trials series, and significant layoffs at Ubisoft Singapore, impacting the development of Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced.
Wardogs studio CEO issues new statement, after backlash for saying his studio won't hire people who "constantly tweet anti-crunch messaging"
Joe Brammer, CEO of Bulkhead, has issued a new statement addressing backlash from his comments about not hiring individuals who "constantly tweet anti-crunch messaging." Brammer clarified his remarks, stating they were informal discussions about the studio's culture and not a formal recruitment policy, while also defending the studio's approach to crunch and work-life balance experiments. The successful launch of Wardogs has led to discussions about staff rewards and the company's unique operational strategies.
