The Polish video game industry faces a pivotal moment as CD Projekt Red employees and others unite to form a union, seeking to improve workplace conditions and address the frequent rounds of layoffs that have plagued the industry giant.

The decision to unionize comes after CD Projekt Red’s announcement of its third round of layoffs in as many months, which has left developers anxious and uncertain about their future in the company. In a statement on the Gamedevunion.pl website, the union emphasized the need for “more security, transparency, better protection, and a stronger voice in times of crisis.”

The catalyst for this union formation was the wave of layoffs that occurred in 2023, where approximately nine percent of CD Projekt Red’s workforce, around 100 people, were let go. The impact of these layoffs on the mental health and job security of employees led to the determination to establish a union to safeguard their interests.

One of the key issues highlighted by the union is the perceived conflict of interests between employers and employees in the industry. Despite developers being the primary value creators, they often lack decision-making power within the company’s structural matters. Unionization aims to rectify this power imbalance by allowing employees to negotiate on equal terms with management.

The union firmly believes that mass layoffs pose a significant threat to the gaming industry and that unionization is a necessary step to preserve its potential. By forming this union, developers intend to create a collective voice that can influence industry standards and protect the rights and well-being of game industry workers.

The union, a part of the nationwide union OZZ IP, welcomes members from across the Polish gamedev industry, providing a platform for sharing experiences and knowledge. However, it’s important to note that the union does not cover CD Projekt Red staff working in Vancouver or those under non-Polish contracts.

Despite the absence of a response from CD Projekt Red management, the founders of the movement have submitted all necessary legal documentation, ensuring that the executive team is aware of the union’s existence.

This move towards unionization follows a series of layoffs at CD Projekt Red in recent months. These layoffs affected various projects and teams, including The Molasses Flood, Gwent, and the core studio, further emphasizing the need for collective bargaining power within the industry.

The formation of this union marks a significant moment in the history of the Polish video game industry, with developers determined to bring about positive changes in their workplace and ensure a more secure and stable future for all those involved.

The decision to unionize within the Polish video game industry sends a clear message that game developers are no longer willing to accept the status quo of job insecurity and unstable working conditions. As the industry continues to grow and generate substantial revenue, many developers believe it’s high time for workers to receive their fair share of the benefits and protections.

CD Projekt Red, known for its highly successful Witcher series and the ambitious but troubled release of Cyberpunk 2077, has faced criticism and scrutiny for its labor practices in recent years. The string of layoffs at the company, particularly the one affecting nine percent of its workforce, has only intensified concerns among employees.

Unionizing provides game developers with a mechanism to address these concerns collectively. It allows them to negotiate for fair compensation, improved job security, and more say in the decision-making processes of their companies. It’s a step towards creating a work environment that prioritizes the well-being of employees while maintaining the industry’s creative and competitive edge.

The Polish gamedev union’s affiliation with the nationwide union OZZ IP strengthens their position and offers them additional resources and support. By pooling their experiences and expertise, developers from various studios can work together to advocate for better industry-wide standards.

The fact that the union does not cover CD Projekt Red staff in Vancouver or those on non-Polish contracts highlights the complexity of international labor issues in the gaming industry. While this union is a significant development for Polish game developers, it’s also a reminder that the global nature of the industry necessitates a broader conversation about workers’ rights and protections worldwide.

The response from CD Projekt Red management, or the lack thereof, will be closely watched in the coming months. As the union gains momentum and garners more attention, the company may find it increasingly difficult to ignore the demands of its employees. Unionization puts pressure on game studios to prioritize the welfare of their workforce, which ultimately benefits the industry as a whole.

The story of CD Projekt Red developers unionizing is not unique, as game industry workers around the world have been advocating for their rights and forming unions to secure better working conditions. It’s a testament to the resilience and determination of these developers who are passionate about their craft but unwilling to sacrifice their well-being in the process.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the gaming industry, the formation of unions like this one in Poland is a significant step toward a more equitable and sustainable future for game developers. As the union’s influence grows, it may inspire similar movements in other regions, further reshaping the industry’s labor dynamics and setting new standards for worker rights and protections.