Game Changer: CD Projekt Red Developers Unite to Create a Union

Highlights

CD Projekt Red developers have formed a union in response to mass layoffs, seeking more job security and better protection in the face of stress and insecurity.

Uncertainty about certain positions at CD Projekt Red persists as the first quarter of 2024 approaches, despite the success of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. In response to this, the Polish Gamedev Workers Union has been established with the goal of safeguarding employment not only within CD Projekt Red but also across other Polish studios. This development mirrors a broader industry pattern of unions emerging to tackle issues related to job insecurity.

Following a wave of layoffs at CD Projekt Red, a new union for developers has been established. Despite the success of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, certain positions at the studio remain uncertain as we enter the first quarter of 2024.

Since its release, CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 has sold over 25 million copies, with the Phantom Liberty expansion selling three million copies in its launch week. The studio is currently working on multiple new games, such as The Witcher 4 and a remake of the original Witcher game. However, due to the previous summer's mass layoffs, some developers who were involved in Cyberpunk 2077 and the new Witcher projects are no longer employed by the company.

The formation of the Polish Gamedev Workers Union came about as a result of the layoffs at CD Projekt Red, with developers and staff such as QA analyst Pawel Myszka and gameplay programmer Lev Ki taking the lead. This newly established union aims to represent game developers across Poland, particularly those affected by the three rounds of layoffs at CD Projekt Red starting in July 2023. These layoffs impacted various teams involved in development, publishing, and back-office work. With approximately 9% of CD Projekt Red staff being let go, the topic of unionizing became a prominent discussion point. According to CD Projekt Red developers, the high levels of stress and uncertainty they are experiencing are negatively affecting their mental well-being. Therefore, the creation of the union is a direct response to alleviate this stressful environment, as developers at CD Projekt Red strive for increased job security and improved protection.

CD Projekt initiated layoffs in July, with the expectation of concluding by the first quarter of 2024. The CEO, Adam Kicinski, acknowledged an excess of workforce in the development studio. CD Projekt expressed that the layoffs were intended to optimize project teams and facilitate the company's ongoing transformation towards timely, top-quality game production without the need for excessive work hours. More than 100 CD Projekt Red developers were affected by these measures, leading to the establishment of the Polish Gamedev Workers Union. While the launch of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty brought success, uncertainties regarding job positions persisted. This union offers an opportunity to protect jobs not only at CD Projekt Red but also at other studios in Poland. The issue of layoffs in the gaming industry extends to the United States, with SEGA of America forming a union in 2023 as well.

Source: IGN