Rockstar Games accused of chaos with salaries, crunches, and other labor issues
The publication Game Developer spoke with three anonymous members of the Rockstar Game Workers Union. During the conversation, they complained about the unfair environment at the studio developing GTA VI.
GTA VI
- According to the Game Developer's sources, one of the most serious issues at Rockstar Games is related to salaries. They claim that a significant portion of the pay is composed of bonuses, the size of which can change suddenly and for unknown and often subjective reasons. As a result, developers frequently end up earning below market rates.
- Additionally, it is reported that the gender pay gap at Rockstar Games has widened recently. Previously, the company had special programs in place to improve the situation, but these have been discontinued.
- Another issue concerns crunch times. Rockstar Games has been accused of this before, but according to union members, it has only worsened over the years. If they are to be believed, overtime work has become so common that British employees' contracts now include a clause allowing them to waive legal limits on overtime work.
- Moreover, the management of Rockstar Games reportedly no longer considers any overtime work that is compensated as crunch time.
- It is noted that some teams at Rockstar Games almost never leave crunch mode, while others manage without overtime — often unaware of each other's existence.
- Another contentious point is the lack of remote work options. According to activists, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rockstar Games' management promised not to force everyone back to the office, but later changed its mind. Managers explained their decision by the need to "stimulate collaboration," while they themselves continue to work from home.
Representatives of Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, commented on the union members' statements to Game Developer. They did not discuss specific complaints in detail but mentioned that they provide teams with "first-class working conditions" and competitive salaries. Take-Two Interactive is also open to organizing a meeting with the union to discuss the possibility of officially recognizing it within the company.