Life Is Strange Dev's Workers Are Going On Strike Over Impending Layoffs

As a devoted fan of Don’t Nod studios who has invested countless hours into their captivating narratives and immersive worlds, hearing about the potential layoffs and impending strike leaves me deeply saddened and concerned. I’ve shared many emotional journeys with the talented individuals behind Life is Strange, Remember Me, and other masterpieces, and it’s heart-wrenching to see their future hanging in the balance due to financial hardships.


Employees at the Paris-based gaming company Don’t Nod (known for their work on games like Life is Strange and Just Dance) have planned a strike this week due to upcoming job cuts. The Video Games Workers Union (STJV) has announced that they will picket outside the studio headquarters in protest of these layoffs.

Last week, the union demanded a work stoppage because 69 jobs at the studio might be eliminated. The CEO of Don’t Nod, Oskar Guilbert, stated that a fresh plan was developed for a “restructuring effort to safeguard the company’s longevity” in response to “worsening” financial performances.

According to a statement made by Guilbert, our mid-year financial report for 2024 indicates that our recent product launch didn’t perform as well economically, even with positive reviews on Metacritic. Additionally, certain business decisions we had to make affected the accounting side of things. The temporary measures implemented in the spring to boost performance seem insufficient now to keep our company competitive in the current market.

He mentioned that we recently shared a plan for restructuring the company with our employee committees, which could guide Don’t Nod onto a fresh path of development. Aware of the potential effects this project might have on every team member, he emphasized the significance of ensuring our company’s assets and regaining its capacity to excel in an industry that’s becoming more competitive and discerning with each passing day.

STJV made clear its requirements and responded to the statement, explaining the reasons behind the strike and proposing methods to end it.

“We demand that management immediately give up on this irresponsible and unfair layoffs plan. We demand that the studio’s workers, who are the most competent people, have an actual say in all decision-making. We demand the presence of Oskar Guilbert in the negotiations, and that he takes full responsibility as CEO,” it read. “This layoff plan is absurd, violent, and will not save our company. We therefore call on our colleagues to continue their mobilization with a one-day strike on Friday, November 8.”

Although the sales of Juscant and Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden fell short, resulting in temporary production halts for their upcoming releases, Dontnod Entertainment remains optimistic about the future of Lost Records: Bloom and Rage, set for release in February.

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2024-11-06 21:38