Video Game Workers Union Calls for National Strike Amid Industry Turmoil
Teh Video Game Workers’ Union (STJV) has announced a historic national strike set for February 13, marking the first time the union has called for such a unified action across the sector. This unprecedented move comes as the video game industry faces notable economic challenges, with workers demanding “better working conditions”, “better salaries”, and an end to layoff plans.
Vincent Cambedouzou, STJV delegate at Ubisoft,emphasized the urgency of the situation during a press conference attended by union representatives from several French studios. “In 2024,there were mobilizations in different studios,and it seemed coherent to us to manage to fight all together at the same time,” he stated,urging other trade union organizations to join the movement.
The video game industry, wich employs approximately 12,000 peopel in France, has been hit hard by a decline in investments. Despite thes challenges, the STJV reports an “exponential” increase in union membership, with numbers expected to “soon” reach 1,000. This surge in unionization reflects growing discontent among workers, particularly as several studios have faced layoffs and financial instability in recent months.
The STJV’s call for a national strike is a significant escalation in its efforts to address industry-specific issues. While the union has previously participated in broader labor movements, such as the December protests organized by the CGT against layoff plans, this marks the first time it has rallied workers around concerns directly tied to the video game sector.
Key demands of the STJV
| Demand | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Better Working Conditions | Improved workplace standards and protections for employees.|
| Better Salaries | Fair compensation reflecting the demands and skills of the workforce. |
| End to Layoff plans | Halt job cuts and provide greater job security for industry professionals. |
The strike declaration has already sparked discussions about the future of the video game industry in France. With union membership on the rise and workers increasingly vocal about their demands, the February 13 strike could serve as a turning point for labor rights in the sector.
As the industry navigates these turbulent times, the STJV’s call for unity and action underscores the growing need for systemic change. Whether this strike will lead to meaningful reforms remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the voices of video game workers are louder than ever.
For more insights into the challenges facing the video game industry,explore how artificial intelligence concerns are reshaping labor dynamics globally.The video game industry, frequently enough celebrated for its creativity and innovation, is now facing a wave of social movements as employees across major studios demand better working conditions and job security. From strikes to protests, the sector is witnessing unprecedented activism, shedding light on the challenges faced by workers in this high-pressure surroundings.
strikes and Layoffs: A Growing Trend
since Monday, nearly a hundred employees at Don’t Nod, the Paris-based studio behind acclaimed titles like Life is Strange, have been on strike. Their protest targets a layoff plan that could see 69 employees—nearly 28% of the studio’s workforce—lose their jobs. This move has sparked outrage among staff, who argue that such cuts undermine both morale and the studio’s creative potential.
Simultaneously occurring, Ubisoft, one of the industry’s giants, has also faced significant employee unrest. After a series of disappointing game launches, the company saw nearly a thousand employees mobilize in October to protest changes to its teleworking policy. This comes as part of a broader global savings plan initiated nearly two years ago,which has already led to the departure of nearly 2,000 employees. Ubisoft is now organizing a consultation day with unions and the CSE (social and Economic Committee) on January 22 to establish “a 2025 work plan on social issues.”
A Broader Industry Crisis
The unrest isn’t limited to these studios. In September,employees at Spiders and Kylotonn,both owned by French publisher Nacon,went on strike to denounce poor working conditions. Workers raised concerns about burnout and chaotic schedules, highlighting the toll that relentless deadlines and disorganization can take on mental health.
These protests are part of a larger trend in the gaming industry, where employees are increasingly vocal about the need for better treatment. As studios face financial pressures and shifting market demands,workers are pushing back against policies that prioritize profits over people.
Key Industry Protests at a Glance
| Studio | Issue | Action Taken |
|——————-|————————————|———————————————————————————-|
| Don’t Nod | Layoffs affecting 69 employees | Nearly 100 employees on strike |
| Ubisoft | Teleworking policy changes | Nearly 1,000 employees protested in October |
| Spiders/Kylotonn | Poor working conditions, burnout | Employees went on strike in September |
The Human Cost of Game Progress
The gaming industry’s rapid growth has frequently enough come at the expense of its workforce. Crunch culture—long hours leading up to a game’s release—has been a persistent issue, but now employees are demanding systemic change. As one Ubisoft employee put it, “We need a work plan that prioritizes our well-being, not just the bottom line.”
these movements are a call to action for the industry to reevaluate its priorities. With studios like Don’t Nod and Ubisoft at the forefront, the hope is that these protests will lead to meaningful reforms, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for game developers.
What’s Next?
As the industry grapples with these challenges, the upcoming consultation day at Ubisoft could set a precedent for how studios address employee concerns. Will other companies follow suit, or will the pressure continue to mount? Onyl time will tell, but one thing is clear: the voices of game developers are louder than ever, and they’re not backing down.for more insights into the evolving landscape of the gaming industry, explore how Ubisoft’s recent struggles are reshaping its future.
