NYT published an opt-ed calling for game unionization today.
Making Video Games Is Not a Dream Job
Quote:
Worker exploitation has always been part of the video game industry’s DNA. Executives with multimillion-dollar stock packages often treat their employees like Tetris pieces, to be put into place as efficiently as possible, then promptly disposed of. For many kids who grew up with controllers in their hands, being a game developer is a dream job, so when it comes to talent, supply is higher than demand. Some people who make video games receive decent salaries and benefits (experienced programmers at the richest studios can make six figures), but many do not.
Quality assurance testers — those who play a game repeatedly in order to spot glitches before they’re found by consumers — can make as little as $10 an hour. For those living in expensive cities like Los Angeles, working extensive overtime can be the only way to make ends meet.
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By comparison, Activision Blizzard’s chief executive, Bobby Kotick, made $28.6 million in 2017, a package that included cash, stock and other compensation. That was 306 times the median Activision Blizzard employee’s salary.
There’s only one way for these workers to push back against the way they’re exploited while franchises like Call of Duty churn out money for those at the very top: unionization.
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Unions are interesting in the case of games, because the actual workers need more say in how decisions are made...unlike some industries.
But the problem with games in our current economic system runs a bit deeper...bottom-line is long development cycles are rarely profitable compared to other kinds of ventures...in yet long development cycles are what make great games.
I honestly think only subsidies will provide great games in the future. The government spends a great deal already toward the arts...I think as time passes people are going to discover that well made video games actually are a form of high art that can serve utility outside of simple entertainment.
Games can be educational and social as well. But only if well made with long development cycles. Only if the project has other motives besides selling micro-transactions and expansions with little content.
There is a definite correlation between gamers and social climbers in the newer generations. So we will see I guess.
04-07-2019, 02:28 PM
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