In the dynamic world of video game development, where creativity and innovation collide with demanding schedules and high expectations, the road to success can be a bumpy one. CD Projekt Red (CDPR), the renowned Polish studio behind The Witcher and Cyberpunk franchises, recently made headlines for a significant decision that would impact both their employees and the gaming industry as a whole. This decision involved laying off approximately 9% of their workforce, which translates to around 100 talented individuals. The aftermath of this move led to the birth of the Polish Gamedev Workers Union (PGWU), marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing quest for better working conditions within the gaming industry.
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CD Projekt Red’s Layoff Decision
In a blog post, CD Projekt Red’s CEO, Adam Kiciński, delivered the sombre news that the company was overstaffed, leading to the necessity of staff reductions. This move came as a result of assessing the current and expected project needs, and the unfortunate reality was that there weren’t enough opportunities to retain all the existing employees in the next year.
Despite having a substantial lineup of projects in the pipeline, including the imminent release of “Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty” and plans for a Witcher remake, a new Witcher trilogy, a Witcher spinoff, a new Cyberpunk game, and an entirely new franchise, CDPR found it crucial to restructure their teams to align better with the specific requirements of each project. They aimed to create more agile and effective teams, a strategic decision aimed at achieving the high expectations and ambitions of delivering the best role-playing games.
This move by CDPR was not without its controversies and challenges. The studio had previously faced intense scrutiny for implementing six-day workweeks close to the launch of “Cyberpunk 2077,” which unfortunately did not prevent the game from being released in a highly buggy state. The criticism and backlash had prompted internal changes within CDPR, as part of an ongoing process to avoid overwork and ensure the delivery of quality games within reasonable timeframes.
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The Birth of the Polish Gamedev Workers Union
The CD Projekt Red layoffs of 2023 had profound consequences that extended beyond the studio’s walls. It created a ripple effect that ultimately led to the establishment of the Polish Gamedev Workers Union (PGWU). This union was formed in response to the wave of layoffs and aimed to address the stress, uncertainty, and adverse effects on the mental health of game developers caused by such events.
The driving force behind the formation of PGWU was the desire for greater safety, transparency, better protection, and a stronger collective voice during times of crisis. Game developers across Poland recognised the need to organise themselves to achieve these goals and act on equal terms in situations that directly affected their work and well-being.
One of the crucial aspects of PGWU is its affiliation with the international union OZZ IP. This affiliation not only provides a support network for game developers but also serves as a platform for sharing experiences and knowledge with like-minded individuals from the Polish game development industry. It signifies a united front in the pursuit of fair and just working conditions within the gaming sector.
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PGWU’s Mission and Objectives
The Polish Gamedev Workers Union, as outlined in its manifesto, has a clear mission and a set of goals that underpin its existence. PGWU aims to represent and organise game developers from diverse backgrounds, spanning various disciplines and professions within the game development sector.
The union emphasises the importance of democratic structures that enable its members to actively participate in the formation of policies and decisions. PGWU’s core objectives revolve around creating a stable, fair, diverse, and healthy working environment for game developers. This encompasses ensuring job security, fair treatment, and transparency within employer organisations.
Crucially, PGWU approaches its mission as a dialogue rather than a confrontation. While its primary aim is to safeguard the interests of workers, it seeks to establish open lines of communication with employers as a means to address concerns and issues collaboratively.
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A Global Trend: Unionisation in the Gaming Industry
The emergence of PGWU is part of a broader global trend in the gaming industry. Increasingly, game developers worldwide are seeking to harness their collective bargaining power to advocate for improved working conditions. This movement has seen various studios, including Avalanche Studios, Sega of America, ZeniMax Studios, and multiple Activision Blizzard subsidiaries, witness employees voting in favour of unionisation.
However, this trend has not been without its challenges. Some unionised workers have faced obstacles such as layoffs and alleged anti-union tactics by employers. Despite these hurdles, the momentum for change in the industry remains strong.
The gaming industry is at a critical juncture, where the demands for equitable and secure working conditions are gaining traction. Unions like PGWU play a vital role in this movement, advocating for the well-being of game developers and the creation of an industry that values and supports its most important asset – the talented individuals who bring our favourite games to life.
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Conclusion
The CD Projekt Red layoffs and the subsequent formation of the Polish Gamedev Workers Union represent a significant chapter in the ongoing narrative of the gaming industry’s evolution. While challenges persist, the commitment to improving the lives of game developers and ensuring a brighter, fairer future for the industry burns brightly. As PGWU and similar unions continue to champion the cause, the prospects for a more inclusive, transparent, and worker-friendly game development sector appear increasingly promising.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Did CD Projekt Red Decide to Lay Off 9% Of Its Staff?
CD Projekt Red decided to lay off 9% of its staff primarily because they deemed themselves overstaffed, with talented employees completing their current tasks and limited prospects for new projects in the upcoming year. The studio aimed to build agile and efficient teams aligned with project needs to meet their high expectations for creating top-quality role-playing games. This decision was a strategic move to optimise resources and improve project-focused efficiency.
How Did the Formation of the Polish Gamedev Workers Union Come About in Response to the CDPR Layoffs?
The formation of the Polish Gamedev Workers Union (PGWU) emerged in response to CD Projekt Red’s layoffs. The repeated waves of layoffs in 2023, affecting approximately 9% of CDPR’s workforce, triggered significant stress and uncertainty among employees. In response, developers sought to create the union to enhance workplace standards, providing greater safety, transparency, protection, and a stronger collective voice during challenging times. PGWU’s foundation was a response to the need for improved working conditions and job security within the Polish video game industry.
Are There Any Other Game Development Studios Where Employees Have Voted in Favour of Unionisation?
Yes, there are several other game development studios where employees have voted in favour of unionisation. For instance, over 100 workers at Avalanche Studios, the developer behind Just Cause, joined a Swedish union. Additionally, various staff members at studios like Workinman, Sega of America, ZeniMax Studios, and several Activision Blizzard subsidiaries, including Blizzard Albany and Raven Software, have also voted to unionise in recent years. The trend of game developers unionising reflects a broader movement in the industry to advocate for better working conditions and collective bargaining power.
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