The IGDA has been working on Quality of Life issues in the industry before this most recent EA example blew up in the press.

I was struck by the strident quality of their language in the letter - "The recent frenzy of discussion over impassioned testimony about the horrible working conditions within much of the industry attests to the reality of this often unspoken disease."

Woah! They're using this issue to position and promote themselves as an advocate for game developers. Of course they always have been, but this is a moment they're seizing upon to push that side of their work.

In spite of their strong language, they're coming out against legal action: "While some industry workers choose such legal means to gain retribution, the IGDA believes that a conciliatory approach is also an option." That's oddly equivocating, considering their strong words that start this missive.

Posted by: Justin Hall on November 18, 2004 11:41 AM

I for one would rather legal action not be taken as well. I saw the 2D animation industry (the one I worked in before gaming) shrivel up and die because of a giant tsunami that started when the animator's Union went on strike back in the 80's. That began a wave of outsourcing to Pacific Rim studios that eventually (15-20 years later) sounded the death-knell of the 2D U.S. industry.

The gaming industry is only one catastrophic mistake away from that same eventuality, and I'd hate to see it happen because of something like this. If EA is legally forced to not find solutions in-house to get their games done on time, they'll look for the cheapest out-of-house solution. That's Asia/India. I'm not saying overworking employees is right; I'm saying that an overworked employee is one that's still working.

Posted by: bowler on November 18, 2004 12:08 PM