Since GTA VI is undoubtedly the most anticipated video game of all time, the pressure on Rockstar Games is immense. The company’s employees are not spared from these high expectations, which can negatively impact their working conditions.
In this regard, three anonymous members of the Rockstar Games Workers Union have pointed out several issues within the company. Rockstar is accused of a lack of transparency regarding salaries and bonuses, which are allegedly even used to manipulate staff. The gender pay gap has also reportedly widened in recent years.
Furthermore, crunch, which is something all too common in the gaming industry, is reportedly enforced by Rockstar Games. Overtime may even be explicitly stipulated in employees’ contracts.
“Crunch is prevalent enough that the company built into our contracts, as standard, an opt out of the Working Time Regulations [a UK employment right that can be vountairly relinquished by employees] that stops your employer being able to ask you to do more than about 10 hours extra each week.”
The Game Developer website contacted Take-Two, which issued a statement in response to these allegations.
“We strive to make the best games possible by giving our talented teams world-class work environments and ongoing career opportunities. We have fostered a culture which is focused on teamwork, excellence, and kindness, and where we support and reward the team across all levels of the business through competitive compensation and benefits policies. We are proud that as a result, our employee retention is well above the industry standard. We have received a request from a union seeking to discuss voluntary recognition. We value an open and constructive dialogue with all stakeholders and will arrange to meet.”
