Hike Gaming

The protest is wrapping up. We’ve interviewed three former developers about the protest: 1/2 Q: How have you been impacted by the recent union busting? Dev 1: Two of myself and my colleagues, our lives have been completely flipped upside down. We’ve had people on paternity and mental health leave when emails were sent straight to their inbox. Dev 2: Yes - I have. I was brought into a meeting on Thursday morning - it was framed as a catchup and in that meeting I was told I was being fired. No evidence was provided and I was asked to leave the building. Dev 3: Not personally, but I was on the committee before I left in February. I’m not as much impacted as the 34, but these people set me on the path of the workers right movement. Q: Are you a part of a union? What made you want to join one? Dev 1: I joined the union prior to joining Rockstar, mainly because I believe in a better games industry for workers. Dev 2: So I’ve been a member since 2020. I think it is I’ve been in the industry long enough to see that change only happens from outside pressure - be that at Rockstar or elsewhere. Dev 3: I heard there was a movement towards it early last year, it was a no brainier to join. I had a thought it would go nowhere but I was blown away by everyone’s passion and compassion. It became a priority for me - everyone is amazing, the talent is incredible. Q: What can Rockstar do to improve their work culture? Dev 2: By not firing 34 employees who only wanted to make Rockstar a better workplace. Dev 3: Listen to workers. Allow staff members to secure their workplace and their rights in that workplace. Q: How do you think fans can help with this situation? Dev 1: Just share our stories. We will make no secret of it. Dev 2: Keep the conversation going, and possibly donating to the solidarity fund. Dev 3: Just support all the people fired. Support the staff. Remember behind these doors, these are all normal people who go home to their families. The public only see the finished product, they don’t see the day to day work from the employees. Support is what we need, and donating to our fund would be great. Q: Rockstar Games are currently working on one of the most anticipated media products of all time. Do you reckon the pressure from the fanbase has had an impact on the vibe at the studio? Dev 1: I think the vibe has always been one of excitement. I joined three years ago and I think the vibe has only ever been positive when talking about the project. Dev 2: I think the current atmosphere inside the Rockstar Offices is due to Rockstar managements decisions and Rockstar managements decisions alone. Dev 3: Yes, the pressure immediately will take them by surprise. I imagine this will take [Rockstar] by surprise. I think they’ll expect us to just move on but we’re going to show that’s not the case.