Independent game workers union STJV has escalated its actions by calling on Don’t Nod employees to launch an extended strike, beginning January 13, 2025. This renewable strike was overwhelmingly approved by nearly 90 percent of the studio’s workforce in a general assembly vote, marking a significant escalation in the conflict between employees and management over proposed layoffs.
The Catalyst for the Strike
The dispute traces back to 2024, when Don’t Nod—the studio behind titles like Jusant and Lost Records: Bloom and Rage—announced a restructuring plan involving up to 69 job cuts. Studio leadership argued that this “reorganization project” was essential to safeguard the company’s competitiveness in an “increasingly demanding and competitive ecosystem.”
In a statement accompanying its half-year results in October 2024, Don’t Nod explained that its deteriorating financial performance necessitated the restructuring to ensure long-term sustainability. However, STJV responded sharply, accusing management of making employees pay for their “crass ineptitude” and undermining collective bargaining efforts by restricting union resources to the “bare legal minimum.”
Union’s Demands and Escalation
Throughout late 2024, STJV organized multiple walkouts and strikes to pressure Don’t Nod’s leadership into engaging with its demands. The union outlined four key demands during these actions, although specifics remain undisclosed publicly. Despite these efforts, STJV claims that negotiations have been unproductive.
According to the union’s latest update, Don’t Nod management has failed to address crucial issues such as severance pay, voluntary departure packages, and meaningful reductions in forced layoffs.
“We tried everything to negotiate within reason, and assumed good faith from our interlocutors. Today, the previsional date for a potential deal has passed, and we still didn’t even get to talk about crucial elements,” wrote STJV. “Management’s offers remain insignificant and centered only on potential reductions in forced departures, over which they still intend to keep total control.”
Renewed Strike Action
With no resolution in sight, STJV is urging employees to participate in a renewable strike starting January 13, 2025. The union hopes this extended action will compel Don’t Nod’s leadership to engage in meaningful negotiations. STJV’s statement accuses the studio of stalling and acting in bad faith, leaving workers with little choice but to escalate their actions further.
Industry Reaction and Broader Implications
The situation at Don’t Nod has garnered attention across the gaming industry, with many viewing it as a flashpoint in the broader conversation about labor rights and corporate accountability in the sector. Layoffs have become an all-too-common strategy for studios grappling with financial pressures, but the pushback from unions like STJV signals a growing demand for transparency and fair treatment.
Game Developer has reached out to both Don’t Nod and STJV for additional information about the ongoing negotiations and the company’s restructuring plans.
Key Points:
- STJV has called for an extended strike at Don’t Nod starting January 13, 2025, with 90 percent of employees voting in favor.
- The strike is a response to a restructuring plan that could result in up to 69 layoffs.
- STJV accuses Don’t Nod management of stalling negotiations and refusing to address key issues like severance pay and voluntary departure packages.
- Previous strikes and walkouts in late 2024 failed to yield significant concessions from management.
- The situation highlights growing tensions over labor rights and corporate practices in the gaming industry.