The French union STJV has expressed concerns about the well-being of employees at the renowned game developer Don’t Nod, citing issues such as alleged disorganized management and an excessive workload.
In a detailed post on its website, the union outlined various problems it claims to have uncovered regarding the studio’s internal organization and communication with its staff.
According to the STJV, discussions with Don’t Nod employees revealed a pattern of frequent changes to project deadlines, inconsistent information given to teams, and a lack of clear direction as employees are shuffled between projects without a cohesive plan. As of October 2023, Don’t Nod reportedly has eight titles in development.
One example cited by the union is the disbandment of the Jusant production team following the underperformance of their game. Team members were reassigned to other projects, leaving many without work for over two months. The union criticized this decision as sudden and lacking justification to the company’s social and economic committee (CSE), an internal body representing the workers.
Similarly, the STJV alleged that the team working on the upcoming game Banishers was informed of a significant delay in its launch—moving from November 7, 2023, to February 13, 2024—only 30 minutes before the public announcement.
Expressing concern for the mental and social well-being of Don’t Nod employees, the STJV reported instances of workers needing time off due to stress or being signed off work.
Furthermore, the union claimed that every team within the studio is understaffed, with contractors brought in to handle emergencies but only on precarious contracts, adding immense pressure on the already burdened teams to meet deadlines.
The STJV also criticized the management’s lack of direct communication with the union and staff, stating that important information is often disseminated through a physical notice board at the studio despite the majority of employees working remotely.
Despite efforts by the CSE, which was elected in June 2023, to address these issues, the union stated that obstacles persist due to the management’s reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue, resulting in employees resorting to sick leave or leaving the company altogether.
In response to the allegations, Don’t Nod emphasized its commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, stating that the claims do not align with its values. The company asserted that it takes such concerns seriously and maintains open channels of communication with its employees and representatives.
However, the STJV concluded its statement by urging Don’t Nod’s management to take concrete actions to address the issues raised, emphasizing the importance of aligning the company’s values with its ambitions and ensuring the well-being of its employees.
