Introduction:
In a recent development that has sparked controversy in the gaming industry, Keywords Studios, a renowned development services provider, has laid off 13 employees who had unionized while working on BioWare's highly anticipated game, Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. The decision came following the conclusion of a fixed-term contract between Keywords and BioWare, leaving the fate of these unionized workers hanging in the balance. This article delves into the details surrounding these layoffs, exploring the sequence of events and potential motives behind them.
The Unfolding Events:
The saga began in August when BioWare decided not to renew its contract with Keywords Studios for additional development support on Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. As a result, Keywords Studios would cease providing development support for the game after September, impacting the employment status of the unionized workers. The decision of whether or not to retain these unionized employees, who had joined the United Food and Commercial Workers Canada Union in 2022, rested with Keywords Studios.
According to James Russwurm, a former Keywords QA tester, the company's position was that "there is no more work available" for the team, leading to the 13 layoffs. However, the veracity of this claim remains uncertain, given that Keywords Studios continues to post job openings across Canada and globally, raising questions about the company's commitment to providing alternative employment opportunities for the affected employees.
A Trend of Layoffs:
The layoffs at Keywords Studios are not isolated incidents. BioWare, the client of Keywords, also initiated a round of layoffs in late August, affecting 50 employees. Some of these developers had been with the company for over two decades. These former BioWare employees have now taken legal action against the studio, alleging inadequate severance packages.
Motives Under Scrutiny:
At this juncture, it is challenging to definitively determine the motives behind BioWare and Keywords Studios' decisions to part ways with the employees of Keywords Studios Edmonton. Speculations arise regarding whether these actions were primarily driven by cost management or were a response to the successful unionization effort in 2022.
Notably, the unionized employees had not yet signed a contract with Keywords Studios despite voting to unionize 15 months ago. This leaves room for negotiations for better severance packages—a benefit that would not have been available had they remained ununionized.
Conclusion:
The recent layoffs of unionized developers by Keywords Studios following the conclusion of their contract with BioWare have raised significant questions about the treatment of employees in the gaming industry. The circumstances surrounding these layoffs, their potential motives, and the ongoing legal action by affected employees all contribute to a complex and contentious situation.
As the industry continues to evolve, the treatment of employees, particularly those who have unionized, will undoubtedly remain a topic of interest and concern. Game Developer will continue to follow this story and provide updates as it unfolds.
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