The video game industry in Canada faced a setback recently as the QA contractors working on Dragon Age: Dreadwolf were laid off after developer BioWare chose not to renew their contract. This comes just a year after these contractors made history by becoming Canada’s first-ever video game industry union.
Initially, the QA staff from Keywords Studios were contracted to assist with playtesting on the fourth mainline Dragon Age RPG. However, the employees faced issues such as low pay and being instructed to return to work at the Edmonton-based office. These concerns prompted all 16 workers to vote in favor of unionizing.
Unfortunately, the unionization efforts did not lead to a favorable outcome for the employees. In late September, all 13 QA workers who were assisting BioWare lost their jobs. The head of marketing at Keywords Studios, Liz Corless, attributed the terminations to the end of a fixed-term client contract.
In response to their layoffs, the former QA testers filed an employment standards complaint against Keywords Studios. They are seeking a better severance package to help them during this transitional period. This situation mirrors the actions taken by a group of laid-off BioWare workers who are currently suing the company for what they believe is an inadequate severance package.
It is worth noting that while both situations involve Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, they are distinct and separate issues. Nonetheless, the layoffs and legal battles have added to the challenges BioWare has recently faced.
BioWare, a renowned game studio, faced internal struggles when it laid off approximately 50 employees. Among those affected were senior developers who had been with the company since the early days of Baldur’s Gate. This downsizing prompted seven former employees to file a lawsuit demanding a better severance package.
These recent events raise concerns about the stability and working conditions within the video game industry. Layoffs and disputes over severance packages not only impact the affected individuals but also cast a shadow over the reputation of game developers.
The layoff of Dragon Age union workers after their contract was not renewed shines a light on the challenges faced by the video game industry. The efforts made to unionize for fair pay and better working conditions did not prevent the loss of their jobs. This situation, combined with the legal battles faced by BioWare, brings into question the treatment of employees in the industry.
As the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for companies and employees to find common ground and strive towards sustainable and fair practices. The hope is that those affected by these recent layoffs and disputes can find new opportunities that value their skills and contributions.
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