Interchangeable Video Game Corporation's endless cycle of employee injustice seems to be out to prove that time is indeed a flat circle.
Rockstar has become the latest giant to face accusations of treating people like disposable machines after the company allegedly fired more than 30 employees in the UK for engaging in union activity. Company protection? Its former employees actually leaked information, and this amounted to “gross misconduct.”
Union representatives at the IWGB disagree and have held several protests this week outside the offices of Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar in London and Edinburgh respectively. Participants brought some rather intimidating signs to the picket line that included phrases such as “Grand Theft Employment!!,” “Pinkertons salute you!” and “Is the union busted?”
The IWGB is demanding the immediate reinstatement of all employees affected by the dismissal and is exploring possible legal action. We'll tell you more about this developing story below, but what about a few reasons to be cheerful?
Well, this week another indie project success story emerged after Send developer AdHoc has confirmed that the game has sold over 1 million copies. An episodic video game doing business in 2025? You like to see this.
My local football team also continues to perform well above its capabilities. Mighty Preston North End beat Swansea in midweek to maintain their surprise push into the play-offs (we were nearly relegated last season) thanks to delicious Jacob's strike cream cracker Thierry Small signed in the summer. Football Manager players, make sure he's on your radar.
I'll admit, this is a reason for ME to have some fun, but I think the soccer fans among you will appreciate this update. Up, Lilywhites!
via game developer // In perhaps the biggest story this week, Grand Theft Auto creator Rockstar has been accused of committing “the most egregious and ruthless act of union busting in the history of the gaming industry.” According to the British trade union IWGB, the company fired more than 30 people for their involvement in union activities. Rockstar's parent company, Take-Two, denied the allegations and said its former employee was fired for “gross misconduct.”
via game developer // Here's your stalker for this shot. Days after the allegations against Rockstar were made public, the studio told Bloomberg that it had effectively fired a group of unionized employees for “distributing and discussing confidential information in a public forum.” A representative from the IWGB union subsequently told Game Developer that its members have a legal right in the UK to engage in private discussions with union organizers, which supersede any employment contract. It also says that the fired employees did not discuss any Rockstar products or games during these conversations. Food for thought.
via VGK // Final Fantasy developer Square Enix has partnered with the University of Tokyo's Matsuo-Iwasawa Lab to improve the “efficiency of game development processes” through the use of artificial intelligence. The Japanese company believes that within the next two years it will be possible to shift much of the quality assurance and debugging work to generative artificial intelligence tools. Quantity and quality? I'm not entirely convinced.
via game file // Are you concerned at all about what impact EA's upcoming takeover by backers like the Saudi sovereign wealth fund and Jared Kushner's investment firm might have on the publisher's creative output? Well, fear not, because EA has assured employees that the $55 billion deal won't require it to sacrifice its soul. At least not all of them. In an updated FAQ provided to employees (available through the SEC filing), the company said it would “retain creative control and our track record of creative freedom and player-centric values will remain intact” under the leadership of future new owners. Glad this was sorted out.
via game developer // The episodic game is the talk of the town, and Rockstar (allegedly) treats workers poorly. Did someone invent time travel? Putting aside insolence, Send recently proved there's life in the episodic formula by selling over 1 million copies in 10 days. Developed by AdHoc (which employs several Telltale veterans), the superhero comedy features stellar voice talent and has clearly struck a chord with gamers. Still to come?
via IOC // What a difference a year makes. In July 2024, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced a 12-year partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to host regular Olympic esports games starting in 2025. After postponing the first event until 2027, the IOC confirmed it has now parted ways with the Saudi Arabian organizers. It is not clear why, but the IOC said the decision was “mutual.” I wonder if this has anything to do with the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia, which, according to numerous human rights groups, is simply appalling?
via IGN // Would you believe it? After the movie Super Mario Bros. Movie has grossed over $1.35 billion at the global box office, Nintendo wants to keep milking the cash cow that has become Moo Moo Meadows' pride and joy. There is a live-action film in development for The Legend of Zelda, as well as a sequel of sorts to The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” and now Nintendo has told investors it wants to build a framework that will support “consistent release cadence” for potential blockbusters. Chris Pratt will go crazy.
via game developer // The Switch 2 doesn't know the meaning of the phrase “sophomore slump.” Mainly because it's an inanimate piece of technology with no consciousness, but also because it flew out of the gate and sold over 10.3 million units in less than four months. For context, this means the Switch's long-awaited successor has nearly matched the sales of the ill-fated Wii U, which sold 13.56 million units in about four and a half years.
