A reader explains why the revelations about poor working conditions at Rockstar Games have convinced him not to buy their latest game.
As probably the whole world knows by now Red Dead Redemption II is out this week and it’ll probably be the biggest game of the year, not counting Fortnite.
The game’s got great reviews, and looks absolutely amazing in terms of graphics, but the other reason it’s been in the news is because of how Rockstar treats its employees. They’ve always been rumoured to be terrible in that regard, but since they never do proper interviews or let any of their lower down developer speaks there’s never been much evidence.
But Kotaku recently did an excellent and very thorough investigation and it seems things are just as bad as everyone assumed. GC summarised it here, along with a similar report by Eurogamer, but the short version is that Rockstar coerce and bully their developers into working anything up to 100 hour weeks and have been doing so for over a year.
Long nights and unpaid overtime is common in games, and I’m sure many other things, but the ‘crunch’ as it’s called usually lasts for only a few weeks or months in the rush hit a release date. Nobody likes it but most developers seem to accept it as just a downside to an otherwise enjoyable job.
Rockstar though seems to base its entire business around working people to the bone. And while some claim they don’t have to work long hours it seems to be that the higher up you are the less under the cosh you are, with lower level wage slaves not getting permeant contracts and being forced to sign waivers that say they don’t mind break UK laws about how many hours you’re supposed to work.
Both the Kotaku and Eurogamer report are filled with quotes from developers talking about mental breakdowns and a complete lack of social life, almost like the modern day equivalent of a Victorian workhouse. It’s disgusting to me, and all the more so because the reason this first came to light is Rockstar boss Dan Houser himself talking about working 100 hours (for three weeks) as if that was something cool to brag about.
As more of this comes out over the next few weeks I fully expect Rockstar to enter damage limitation mode and/or start getting shirty with the press. But to me this is a national disgrace (remember that Rockstar’s biggest studio is in Scotland) and for that reason I will not be buying Red Dead Redemption II.
I’m sure people will say this is silly and pointless but it’s only a video game. I can find plenty of other things to entertain myself with that won’t be putting money in the pockets of bullies and would-be slave drivers. Rockstar was accused of doing all this when the first Red Dead came out eight years ago and clearly very little has changed since. And it’s not going to unless they’re given a reason to: which would be either money or political pressure.
I wouldn’t hold my breath on the last but I can at least make sure they get none of my money. It’s a deep rabbit hold to dive into – before anyone says anything I’m fully aware how iPhones are made and most other electronics – but not only are video games completely trivial, and so easily done without, but the victims are people living and working in the UK. People that should be under much stricter legal protection than communist China. I will not support a company that acts like this and until I see evidence of real change I will not be buying Red Dead Redemption II.
By reader Necros
The reader’s feature does not necessary represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.
You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. As always, email [email protected] and follow us on Twitter.
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