GTA 6 developers blast Rockstar's "reckless" decision to return to office full-time

eurogamer.net:

Developers at GTA 6 studio Rockstar Games have criticised the company for telling employees they must return to the office full-time next month, calling leadership's decision «reckless».

As reported yesterday, employees at Rockstar have been told to return to the office five days a week, now that GTA 6 is entering the final stretch of development. Studio management cited security and productivity reasons for this upcoming change, which will come into effect in April.

Since this announcement, the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) has blasted Rockstar for its plans to withdraw remote working provisions for the «majority» of its staff, noting the studio said any exceptions to the new rules will be «rare».

Referencing a petition signed by 170 Rockstar Games workers last year opposing mandatory three-day office work, the union said the studio's latest decision «marks a U-turn from previous statements in which the company insisted flexible work options would remain available».

In addition, several members of the development team have spoken to the IWGB, voicing concerns about a return to full-time office work. An anonymous Rockstar employee told the union that working from home had been «a lifeline» for many members of staff. «Now, Rockstar is snatching away that lifeline without a second thought for the workers who'll be impacted most,» they said.

«After so many broken promises we now fear management may even be paving the way for a return to toxic 'crunch' practices. Senior leadership need to rethink their reckless decision making and engage with their staff to find an arrangement that works for everyone.»

Another employee said there had been no consultation from management prior to the change. Again, they cited concerns that staff will soon be expected to «work late hours in the office to maintain contact with global