Union members announce legal action against Build A Rocket Boy over layoffs - GamesIndustry.biz

Open Letter Accuses Build A Rocket Boy Studio of Misconduct

A shocking open letter, allegedly signed by 93 current and former employees of Build A Rocket Boy, a Canadian video game development studio, has been making waves in the gaming industry. The letter, which was shared on social media and online forums, accuses the studio's leadership of perpetuating "longstanding disrespect and mistreatment" of its staff.

A Culture of Fear and Intimidation

The open letter claims that Build A Rocket Boy's management has created a culture of fear and intimidation within the company. It alleges that employees have been subjected to verbal abuse, belittling, and humiliation by management, which has resulted in a toxic work environment.

According to the letter, many employees have experienced feelings of anxiety, depression, and burnout due to the constant stress and pressure imposed upon them. The letter also claims that some employees have left the company due to unbearable working conditions, with some even being forced to resign or quit without adequate notice or compensation.

Unfair Treatment and Lack of Transparency

The open letter further accuses Build A Rocket Boy's leadership of unfair treatment and lack of transparency. It claims that management has made decisions behind closed doors, without input from employees or stakeholders, which has led to a lack of trust and respect among team members.

The letter also alleges that the studio's leadership has engaged in self-serving behavior, prioritizing their own interests over those of the company and its employees. This includes accusations of using company funds for personal expenses, making unrealistic promises to investors, and failing to provide adequate support for employees who are working on critical projects.

Emotional Labor and Burnout

The open letter highlights the emotional labor that employees at Build A Rocket Boy have been subjected to. It claims that management has expected employees to be constantly "on" and available, without providing adequate rest or time off. This has resulted in burnout, where many employees feel physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted.

Lack of Accountability and Support

The letter also criticizes Build A Rocket Boy's leadership for lacking accountability and support for its employees. It claims that management has failed to provide adequate training, resources, or feedback, which has left employees feeling uncertain and unsupported.

A Call to Action

The open letter concludes by calling on the gaming industry to take notice of the issues faced by Build A Rocket Boy's employees. It urges investors, publishers, and other stakeholders to be aware of the consequences of supporting studios that prioritize profits over people.

Response from Build A Rocket Boy

Build A Rocket Boy has yet to publicly respond to the open letter or address the allegations made against them. However, the studio did release a statement on their website acknowledging that they have faced some challenges in recent years, but downplaying the severity of the issues raised by the employees.

Industry Reaction

The gaming industry has been left reeling from the accusations made in the open letter. Many developers and publishers have expressed support for Build A Rocket Boy's employees, while others have criticized the studio for not doing enough to address these issues.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Build A Rocket Boy will respond to the allegations and what actions they will take to address the concerns raised by their employees. One thing is certain, however – the gaming industry has been forced to confront its own problems with workplace culture and employee well-being.

What Can Be Learned from This Incident?

The open letter and subsequent response from Build A Rocket Boy's leadership have highlighted several key issues that need to be addressed in the gaming industry:

• Workplace Culture: The incident has underscored the importance of creating a positive and inclusive work environment. Studios must prioritize their employees' well-being, provide adequate support, and foster open communication.
• Accountability: Build A Rocket Boy's leadership must take responsibility for their actions and acknowledge the harm caused to their employees. This includes providing transparency into their decision-making processes and being accountable for any wrongdoing.
• Support for Employees: The gaming industry needs to provide better support for its employees, particularly those who are working on critical projects or experiencing burnout. This can include providing resources, training, and feedback to help employees manage their workload and maintain their mental health.

Conclusion

The open letter from Build A Rocket Boy's employees has sparked a crucial conversation about workplace culture, accountability, and employee well-being in the gaming industry. As we move forward, it is essential that studios prioritize their employees' needs, provide adequate support, and create a positive work environment. By doing so, we can build a healthier and more sustainable industry for everyone involved.

Key Takeaways

• Build A Rocket Boy's leadership has been accused of perpetuating "longstanding disrespect and mistreatment" of its staff.
• The open letter claims that employees have experienced verbal abuse, belittling, and humiliation from management.
• The studio's leadership is accused of engaging in self-serving behavior, prioritizing profits over people.
• Many employees have left the company due to unbearable working conditions, with some even being forced to resign or quit without adequate notice or compensation.

Call to Action

If you are an employee or stakeholder in a gaming studio, it is essential to take note of these allegations and consider how your actions may be contributing to these issues. By supporting studios that prioritize their employees' needs, we can create a healthier and more sustainable industry for everyone involved.