Recent remarks by members of the Arachnids game development studio have brought attention to their grievances in a detailed 20-page public letter. This latest revelation comes following previous instances in which Arachnids staff had voiced their concerns earlier in the year, only to be met with silence. In response to the accusations put forth by STJV (Syndicat des Travailleurs (ses) du Jeu Video), a union representing the employees, Arachnids executives have released a public statement:
“The erroneous and potentially damaging assertions made by STJV do not accurately represent the daily experiences of our team members and serve as an unwarranted assault on the studio’s reputation. Our dedicated teams are fully engaged in delivering high-quality games and are excitedly preparing for the Early Access launch of Greedfall 2.”
In their statement, the management also acknowledged their unsuccessful attempts to connect with a delegation of employees but expressed their intention to make another effort to engage with them in the following week. They emphasized their commitment to fostering open and productive communication in an effort to address concerns and find mutually acceptable resolutions.
For those unfamiliar with the contents of the open letter, employees at the Arachnids game development studio, known for titles like Greedfall and Steelrising, have come forward to advocate for a more supportive work environment within the company. Allegedly, employees have been grappling with various challenges during their tenure.
Among the grievances raised are issues of gender disparity, lack of job security, and insufficient financial stability. Reports suggest that advancement opportunities within the organization are limited, with many individuals remaining in junior positions without the chance to progress to senior roles. Furthermore, employees are finding it increasingly challenging to sustain their livelihoods in Paris due to rising living costs and inadequate wages.
The Arachnids management’s communication concluded with the assertion that “the well-being of our employees is paramount, and we are dedicated to fostering a work culture that is inclusive and supportive, allowing every individual to thrive and contributing to our collective pride.””>
Arachnids is currently in the development phase of Greedfall 2: The Dying World, with plans to launch an Early Access version of the game in September. However, with strikes looming on the horizon, the achievement of this target hinges on the success of ongoing negotiations with the staff involved in the game’s creation. As of now, the Early Access release of Greedfall 2: The Dying World is scheduled for September 24, 2024.
