A major video game developer is facing a crisis as employees threaten to strike over recent changes to remote work policies.
Threaten Strike
The company’s leadership has announced plans to end full remote work, requiring employees to return to the office for at least three days a week.
This decision, communicated through an internal email in mid-September, has sparked outrage among staff members who view it as an arbitrary punishment rather than a sensible policy, according to Linternatute.
Many employees have adapted to remote work since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with some relocating to different areas for a better work-life balance.
A significant portion of the workforce, particularly at the company’s headquarters in Saint-Mandé, Val-de-Marne, is still working remotely. Reports indicate that nearly 14% of employees continue to work from home full-time.
Not the First Issues
Marc Rutschlé, a representative from the Solidaires informatique union, criticized the leadership’s decision as unjust. He emphasized that employees had gained the right to remote work, and many have made life changes — such as moving or purchasing homes — based on this arrangement.
He also highlighted the challenges faced by colleagues who require remote work for health reasons.
This unrest marks the second strike threat within a year for the developer, following a February protest involving 700 employees demanding better pay and working conditions. The company has remained largely silent on the matter, failing to respond to media inquiries.
The situation at this video game giant reflects broader challenges within the industry. Despite being known for iconic franchises like “Rayman” and “Assassin's Creed,” the company has struggled in recent years with internal conflicts, including allegations of toxic management and sexual harassment that surfaced in 2021.
Recent game releases, including "Star Wars: Outlaws," have underperformed, leading to a dip in stock prices and delays in future projects.
