More than 40,000 layoffs have ravaged the video game industry in recent years, leading to significant unrest among game workers. In a notable demonstration, industry professionals gathered outside the Peacock Theater during The Game Awards, a prestigious event that celebrates the year’s best games. Protesters aimed to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges faced by game workers, including allegations of union-busting practices and the increasing integration of artificial intelligence in game development.
At the same time, Rockstar Games was being accused of laying off more than 30 workers as an anti-union measure. The company has rebuffed these allegations, insisting that the dismissals came in response to employees releasing sensitive data. This incident has heightened fears across the industry about protecting worker rights and holding corporations accountable.
Anna C Webster, chair of the freelancing committee, conveyed the feelings shared by most of those gathered at the demonstration.
“We are out here today to raise awareness of the plight of the game worker,” – Anna C Webster
Webster went into more detail on why they decided to use The Game Awards as a venue for their protest.
“Our industry has been strip-mined for resources by these corporate overlords, and we figured the best place to raise awareness of what’s happening in the games industry is at the culmination, the final boss, as it were: The Game Awards,” – Anna C Webster
One protest sign lamenting the “death of game development” included a tombstone. They even featured “wanted” posters featuring Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick and Microsoft CEO Phil Spencer. As you can see, the visual aids unequivocally demonstrated their disappointment and discontent with the industry. Instead, they were met with buggy game launches, frustrating delays and unexpected cancellations.
Sherveen Uduwana, treasurer of the virtual freelancing committee, explained how these themes are relatable to gamers and industry professionals as well.
“If you’re someone who loves video games, if you are frustrated by games that launch buggy and are delayed messes, if you’re frustrated by games you’re excited about getting cancelled without warning, all of that ties back to what we’re doing here,” – Sherveen Uduwana
The participation of various game industry professionals underscores a collective frustration with how corporate entities prioritize profits over artistry. Webster’s comments shone a light on the experience of many artists who feel the integrity of their creative output is undercut by corporate greed.
“Anyone who works in the games industry can identify that our art form is being sold for parts to make a few people a lot of money. And they don’t care about the games. They don’t care about the art. They just want their money,” – Anna C Webster
Amara, J., & Puckett, M., As protests were taking place, news came in that protestors were being disadvantaged. They almost lost access to the valuable public space just outside the venue. Game workers are organizing and unionizing to demand improved working conditions and equitable treatment for their industry. Their work points to a shifting landscape and deepening movement in an industry ever more controlled by monopolies and disrupters.
The Game Awards serve as a platform not only to honor exceptional games but to spotlight smaller independent studios and talented voice actors often overlooked in mainstream discussions. It’s the perfect context for amplifying urgent conversations that are unraveling the toxic threads woven throughout the very culture of creating games.