Gaming, like any art form, thrives on innovation, imagination, and, importantly, the undying passion of its creators. At the center of this magical world, developers at CD Projekt RED, the wizards behind The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077, which collectively has sold more than 100 million units already, found themselves facing another daunting boss level: three consecutive layoffs in three months.
For any layman, it’s a glance at some numbers on a financial report. For those immersed in the gaming industry, it’s a tumultuous reality that shakes the very core of video game development – its people.
CD Projekt Red isn’t just another developer; it’s a powerhouse that holds a special place among gamers for taking a proactive stance against DRM software and creating award-winning games. That’s what makes the recent sequence of layoffs even more interesting.
As CDPR celebrates a financial win with the release of Phantom Liberty, the Polish Gamedev Workers Union, abbreviated as PGWU, was also born. It’s the result of collective sentiments, uniting workers in their shared predicaments. This isn’t a fight but a dialogue, a communion aimed at job security, fair treatment, and transparency. The union’s inception wasn’t knee-jerk reaction to the layoffs. It was a move towards establishing a dialogue, a voice with muscle, representing the silent challenges, the dreams, the aspirations of those building the digital realms we so adore.
In their own words, as they shared on Gamedevunion.pl (and reported by Eurogamer):
This event created a tremendous amount of stress and insecurity, affecting our mental health and leading to the creation of this union in response.
Simply put, the unionization is a call to arms to ensure that while they created worlds of fantasy, their reality isn’t in, any way, overlooked.
On a broader spectrum, the game industry seems to be at the cusp of significant change. Workers across the board, be it at Activision Blizzard or even at corporate giants like Apple and Google, are leaning towards collective action. It’s as if a new wave is ushering in, where the minds behind our favorite pastime are asking for their due – their right to fair working conditions and respect.
Interestingly, the working conditions during the development of Phantom Liberty were pretty favorable, marking CDPR as an idyllic workplace – a stark contrast to the crunch-filled workplace of years past.
If there’s one thing we can glean from this development, it’s that this union stands as a testament to collective strength and the undying spirit of the creators.
Furthermore, there’s talk about what the future could hold. Teasers, spoilers, and speculations, are the norm. Given the studio’s repertoire that boasts of hits and an ever-growing fanbase, many look forward to see what’s next for CDPR. Is the union a pivot towards a brighter, more inclusive future, or just a patch update in their tumultuous journey?
It’s also intriguing to think of the universality of such movements. A24, a significant player in Hollywood, showcased a history of stellar working conditions that helped them continue production even during the SAG-AFTRA strike. Imagine CD Projekt RED reaching such commendable heights!
In a rapidly evolving landscape where pixels and passion come together to create masterpieces, it’s crucial to ensure the hands crafting these wonders aren’t lost in the shadows. While the CD Projekt RED saga unfolds, the larger picture also emerges. Here’s to hoping that unions like the PGWU, in safeguarding the rights of workers, also pave the way for the next big game we all eagerly await.
Despite the recent layoffs, CDPR remain confident in handling multiple projects simultaneously. After Phantom Liberty, CDPR is now working on a new Witcher trilogy, a remake of the first Witcher game, its first original IP, and a sequel to Cyberpunk 2077.
