Rockstar Games, the developers behind the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6), have come under fire from their employees for a recent decision mandating a return to the office. The move is aimed at completing the development of GTA 6 at what Rockstar deems to be the necessary level of quality and polish, as well as addressing security concerns. The order, set to commence in April, requires staff to work in the office five days a week.
The Independent Workers’ union of Great Britain (IWGB), which represents video game developers in the UK, publicly criticized Rockstar for this decision. Testimonies from current developers reveal concerns about the impact on their well-being. Last year, 170 Rockstar Games workers in the UK opposed mandatory three-day office work.
Workers accuse Rockstar of breaking promises and express worries about health, caregiving responsibilities, living arrangements, and an increased risk of overwork (commonly known as “crunch”). Some employees, who had adjusted their lives based on the previous flexible work options, now face challenges reversing these changes within six weeks.
The IWGB claims Rockstar had assured flexible work options would persist, contradicting the recent return-to-office order. Allegations include management’s refusal to engage with workers on the issue, with a threat to cut remote access to technology on April 15.
An anonymous Rockstar worker stated, “Working from home has been a lifeline for many of us at Rockstar, allowing us to balance care responsibilities, manage disabilities, and relocate as we need. Now, Rockstar is snatching away that lifeline without a second thought for the workers who’ll be impacted most.”
Rockstar, known for its notorious crunch practices during game development, had reportedly made changes to its culture following the release of Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018. The recent decision has reignited concerns among workers about a potential return to toxic crunch practices.
The IWGB Game Workers Chair, Austin Kelmore, criticized Rockstar’s leadership for going back on their promises and ignoring workers’ requests for basic working conditions. The video game industry, grappling with a push to return to the office, has witnessed similar disputes, with some companies facing criticism for broken promises regarding remote work.
GTA 6 is expected to launch in 2025 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, with predictions of becoming the best-selling video game of all time.
Source: ign.com
