It certainly makes sense for game developers. They're being exploited with super long working hours, being let go at a moment's notice once a game is out the door, and their pay usually isn't that good. They'd benefit greatly from unionization same as everyone else working on these games.
Re:Making Video Games Is Not a Dream Job
by notSupplied on Monday April 08, 2019 @05:56PM
(#19609452)
Programmers need it the least. They are paid the highest and have the best alternatives employment options. I think we should be talking about the production artist and testers in a completely separate breath from the programmers. In fact, this could explain why people are arguing in circles here, they could be talking about separate groups in completely different situations as far as compensation & leverage goes!
Jason Schreier has never worked as developer or in the gaming industry. It's insane how so many people give these people so much credence and attention. The guy literally doesn't know what he is a talking about. Also 3d artists and game testers/QA/etc are transferable skills just like programmers.
Re:Making Video Games Is Not a Dream Job
by Slippery_John on Friday April 05, 2019 @11:34AM
(#19583539)
What does it matter that he isn't a game developer? I don't need to be an industrial revolution era child factory worker to understand that the conditions they labored under were inhumane.
In the case of programmers, it really doesn't make much sense. There's a lot of BS that can come with unions. They have transferable skills. It's just easier to change jobs.
For more specialized workers a union probably does make sense, eg: 3d artists, game testers.
But I think union organizers are really only interested in the programmers, because they'll probably generate the most dues.