GTA 6 Nearing Completion with Employees Voicing Concerns Over Office Return
As the highly-anticipated game nears its final stages of development, employees are expressing discontent with the return-to-office policies enforced.
Rockstar Games has informed its staff that Grand Theft Auto VI is in the final stages of development, prompting employees to return to the office soon.
According to Bloomberg (via IGN), Rockstar has mandated a five-day-per-week office return for employees starting in April. This decision was made in part due to security concerns following a major hack that occurred in September 2022, resulting in leaked video footage and images of GTA VI. The leak was attributed to an employee Slack account, and even the game's first trailer was leaked prematurely.
Rockstar's head of publishing, Jenn Kolbe, stated in a memo to staff acquired by Bloomberg that implementing these changes now will position the company to deliver the upcoming Grand Theft Auto at the high level of quality and polish it demands. Additionally, it will ensure a publishing roadmap that aligns with the game's scale and ambition.
Reports indicate that Rockstar Games employees are not pleased with the announcement. The Independent Workers' Union Of Great Britain (IWGB) released a statement referencing feedback from workers who find working from home beneficial, especially for individuals with disabilities, caregiving responsibilities, or health issues. Workers have expressed concerns about the return-to-office mandate, which reportedly allows only "rare" exceptions. This policy is particularly challenging for those who may have relocated further away from the office for financial reasons or a better quality of life.
GTA VI is currently in development by various studios simultaneously, with Rockstar North in Edinburgh, Scotland and the company's global network of studios playing key roles.
The union has reported that Rockstar intends to require employees to return to the office by April 15 and will be discontinuing remote access to company technology from home. The union has criticized Rockstar for not presenting any proof that remote work poses security risks or could hinder productivity.
An anonymous Rockstar employee shared with the union that working remotely has been a crucial support system for many individuals at Rockstar. Another employee expressed concerns about missing out on valuable time with their families, as well as colleagues with health issues that prevent them from working in the office full-time now feeling uncertain about their situation.
The highly anticipated GTA VI is currently in development for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a projected release date set for 2025. It is worth noting that nearly every Rockstar Games title released in the past decade has faced delays from their initial announcement dates, suggesting that the release of GTA 6 may have already been pushed back as well.
If GTA VI is indeed nearing the end of development, it does not guarantee an early release or even a punctual one. Just like GTA V, which was also in its final stages in 2011, faced multiple delays and was not launched until 2013.
Rockstar Games is aiming for "perfection" with GTA VI. During the final stages of development, the core experience is typically completed, and the team focuses on refining and polishing the game, along with other tasks. Developers emphasize the importance of this phase in a game's development and stress the need for proper execution, which requires time.
Editor's P/S:
The recent news of Rockstar Games mandating a return to office for employees has sparked mixed reactions. While the company cites security concerns as a driving force, the decision has faced criticism from employees and the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain. The union highlights the benefits of remote work, especially for individuals with disabilities, caregiving responsibilities, or health issues.
The decision to prioritize security over employee well-being and flexibility is concerning. It is essential to strike a balance between protecting sensitive information and allowing employees to work in an environment that best supports their needs. As technology advances and remote work becomes increasingly viable, companies should embrace flexible work arrangements that cater to the diverse needs of their workforce. By prioritizing employee satisfaction and fostering a positive work-life balance, Rockstar Games can ensure both the security of their projects and the well-being of their employees.
