Just a day ago, members of the Spiders game studio were speaking out about their experiences at the company in a 20-page open letter. This isn’t the first time Spiders employees have spoken out, as they spoke out in January and were met with silence. Today, Spiders management posted a public response to the allegations made by STJV (Syndicat des Travailleurs (ses) du Jeu Video), one of the unions representing the studio members. In the response, they said the following:
“The false and even defamatory accusations made by STJV in no way reflect the day-to-day working life of the company’s employees and are an attack on the reputation of the studio, whose teams are fully mobilized to produce quality games and enthusiastically ensure the Early Access release of Greedfall 2.”
The statement also says that they have made unsuccessful attempts to reach out to a delegation of employees but will try again in the following week to contact them. Spiders management has stated that they are “committed to open and constructive social dialogue,” to try and meet the demands or to negotiate terms that suit both parties.
For those who missed the open letter, members of the Spiders game company, responsible for games such as Greedfall and Steelrising, have written the open letter to try and make the environment healthier for those working at the company. They have been allegedly facing a myriad of issues while working at the company.
These issues include gender inequality and no job or financial security. There is no possibility of climbing the ladder within the company to get into senior roles, with people stuck in stagnant junior roles. Equally, plenty of those working at the company are now struggling to maintain their lives in Paris, as the city is increasingly expensive, and their wages are insufficient.
Spiders management’s statement is signed off with, “Spiders’ employees are at the heart of the studio, and we are determined to maintain an inclusive and stimulating work environment in which every talent can flourish and of which we can all be proud.”
Spiders is working on Greedfall 2: The Dying World, intending to release an Early Access version of the game in September. However, with the strikes starting shortly, it’s uncertain whether they will meet the goal should negotiations not be successful for the employees developing the game. For now, Greedfall 2: The Dying World will be released in Early Access on 24 September 2024.
