Don’t Nod Staff Goes On Strike Against Layoffs

Don't Nod Staff Goes On Strike Against Layoffs

As a long-time fan and supporter of Don’t Nod Studios, witnessing their current struggle is truly disheartening. I’ve followed their journey since the debut of Life Is Strange, and it’s been an emotional rollercoaster that I’ve shared with millions of other fans worldwide. The news of their planned restructuring and layoffs has cast a dark shadow over this once vibrant studio.


At Don’t Nod, things haven’t been running as smoothly as expected. Known for producing the initial installments of the popular Life Is Strange series, this French video game company has announced plans to let go of about 69 staff members.

In response to the announced restructuring last month, Don’t Nod employees have declared they will go on strike this coming Friday. Additionally, they have published an open letter, expressing concerns about the work environment within their studio.

Based on a statement released by the STJV, or French Union for Video Game Workers, the staff are planning to take part in a protest starting at 2:00 PM local time this coming Friday, outside Don’t Nod’s offices in Paris.

The group’s requests encompass reversing the previously announced reorganization and downsizing at Don’t Nod, as well as granting employees more influence over the company’s decision-making process.

STJV specifies that Oskar Guilbert, company CEO, must be present to negotiate terms.

The Don’t Nod Staff Open Letter

Don't Nod Staff Goes On Strike Against Layoffs

A memo from the Don’t Nod team highlights deep-rooted issues within the company, which have led to a decline in trust towards its management.

According to the translation, workers believe that these failures stem from a series of careless actions and poor decisions made by the management.

For quite some time now, we’ve been voicing our concerns regarding these mistakes to those in charge, but unfortunately, it seems like our warnings have fallen on deaf ears. Consequently, it is we who are bearing the brunt of these illogical choices today, as evidenced by the recent redundancy plan.

-Don’t Nod Staff, translated

The employees portrayed the company’s current business approach as rooted in overblown ambitions (delusions of grandeur) and an excessive focus on short-term gains (chronic short-termism).

As a result of these leadership issues, numerous team members, both experienced and newcomers, have decided to leave in pursuit of improved working environments.

Consequently, the individuals who remained are now juggling more responsibilities, taking on multiple tasks simultaneously, and striving to achieve demanding targets within tight timeframes.

In their final remarks, employees express their desire to preserve the company, yet they are unwilling to do so at the cost of unnecessary layoffs or compromised workplace conditions.

Wave After Wave of Layoffs

Don't Nod Staff Goes On Strike Against Layoffs

In recent times, leadership decisions similar to Don’t Nod’s planned layoffs have regrettably become a frequent occurrence. However, the resistance shown by the staff and STJV in this instance is among the most impressive examples of pushback that has been documented.

In light of the ongoing job cuts and repercussions from the tech turmoil that’s been affecting the gaming industry for several years, it’s likely we’ll witness more employees voicing their dissent towards company executives.

Over time, we’ll see if this action yields results or not. For now, it certainly seems odd that the gaming industry is raking in unprecedented earnings while work environments continue to deteriorate.

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2024-11-06 18:08