As a result of the restructuring of the working model, developers of Grand Theft Auto VI fear a return to crunch culture.
It was recently announced that Rockstar Games is planning to end its hybrid work model due to concerns about productivity and security. From April 15th, employees will be able to work in the office again five days a week.
In one Explanation The IWGB Game Workers Union, which also represents Rockstar employees, describes the company’s new policy as a reversal from previous statements:
“The mandate comes a year after unionized workers launched a 170-signature petition calling for more remote options in response to a mandatory move to 3-day office working, in one of the largest union drives in the UK games industry to date. demanded work,” writes the union. “Rockstar’s decision to implement the new policy also represents an about-face from previous statements in which the company insisted that flexible work options would continue to be available, stating in an email sent to all employees: ‘This is not the case.’ our first step towards a 5-day week. Nobody wants to go back to the old way of working.’”
The union also alleges that Rockstar simply ignored strong opposition from its workforce and failed to provide evidence of safety concerns and reduced productivity.
There are now concerns among employees about a return to the crunch culture of days gone by, as an anonymous company employee describes:
“Working from home has been a lifeline for many of us at Rockstar, allowing us to juggle our caring responsibilities, deal with disabilities and relocate when necessary. Now Rockstar is ripping away that lifeline without giving a second thought to the workers most affected. After so many broken promises, we now fear that management may even be paving the way for a return to toxic crunch practices. Management must reconsider its reckless decisions and, together with its employees, find a solution that is fair for everyone.”
“As usual, we, the people most affected by these changes, have not been consulted. One of my concerns is that I am forced to work late in the office to maintain contact with the global teams, whereas previously we could log in from home to attend late meetings. This means we can no longer spend time with our families. I also know of colleagues who cannot work full-time in the office for health reasons and are now in limbo,” said another employee, who also remains anonymous.
There is currently no official statement from Rockstar Games regarding the union’s allegations or the employees’ concerns.