Game Developers Unionize As Concerns For Working Conditions Increase
Game developers want to unionize, but there’s a very obvious divide within the industry and it became all the more clear during the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) held recently. After a clearly tense round table discussion that occurred at the event, there are strained relations between industry professionals and their ideas on methods for standardizing working conditions for them. Most notably, IGDA president, Jen MacLean, shared dissenting opinions on the idea of unionization.
In fact, MacLean spoke with USgamer earlier this week about her opinion on game developers unionizing and other relevant and political hot topics. Suffice to say, she didn’t favor the idea of people banding together to demand a suitable standard for those working in gaming. She went on further to say that a union wouldn’t solve all the problems involved with lay-offs. She discussed the possible repercussions if it were to become reality. MacLean has been expressive and open on her opposing opinion, but that prompted a fairly swift backlash of commentary, which was especially obvious at the IGDA.
During the round table discussion of more than one hundred professionals, MacLean disclaimed her intention to exclude her opinions as much as possible. That, however, was quickly reneged and heated discussions quickly followed. Soon, MacLean’s venture to bring about understanding of her point of view simply did not connect in the way she had hoped. In fact, the conversation moved on when no one would engage her narrative.
Following that unfortunate incident, fellow game developers quickly formed Game Workers Unite, a “currently-forming anonymous and horizontal organization of people dedicated to advocating for workers’ rights and the crafting of a unionized games industry.” They are exclusively run by non-employers and aim to bring more awareness to this issue.
There’s a very obvious divide on this idea right now, but what are your thoughts? Do you think Game Workers Unite has the right idea or do you side with people like Jen MacLean more? Let us know what you think in the comments section below or start a conversation on DFTG Facebook page. To stay up to date on gaming news as it happens, follow us on Twitter! Here’s some of our latest:
Hoi Duong2131 Posts
Hoi is an elusive figure at DFTG, whose favorite past-times include chillin' in the Fade, reading manga, watching anime, collecting novelty items, and gaming.
