Waves of layoffs are sweeping through game companies globally. The industry is not remaining indifferent and is addressing topics such as employee rights, trade unions, and transparent recruitment conditions more and more. These issues are gaining prominence in the agendas of industry conferences, including Digital Dragons Conference 2024, which will take place in Krakow from 19-21 May 2024.
2024 – the year of layoffs in gamedev
It is time to disenchant labour movements from their association only with heavy industry or the baggage of the 1990s. The needs that trade unions can meet are many: raising standards of compliance with labour laws in the industry, being able to participate in shaping internal company policy, taking into account the experience and expertise of employees when planning transformations and restructuring. Or, looking at the role of trade unions in the UK or Scandinavia, exchanging know-how, building an industry knowledge and experience base or a safety net in case of redundancies. The community aspect of trade unions is also valuable - they create a platform through which each of us can do our bit to change our environment for the better, working together with people who have similar goals and experiences.
Artur Ganszyniec, designer, member of Polish Gamedev Workers Union