"If Quantic Dream wants to destroy jobs, it must pay": French union call strike as they demand extension to layoff negotiations with Star Wars Eclipse studio

The French union, Syndicat des Travailleuseuses du Jeu Vidéo (STJV), has called for an indefinite strike at Star Wars Eclipse studio, Quantic Dream, as they negotiate over potential job cuts following the decision to halt development of MOBA Spellcasters Chronicles. Around 115 employees are impacted by these layoffs, and the union is requesting an extension to the negotiation period.

The STJV has accused Quantic Dream of setting unreasonable deadlines, wasting a significant portion of negotiation time, and refusing to provide necessary documents, claiming that negotiators would corrupt them. Union representatives stated that many propositions and demands were presented throughout the negotiations, but executives largely ignored them during the four meetings.

During one last meeting, the company failed to address propositions made over a week prior. Quantic Dream's management appears to be content with minimal efforts to support those who will lose their jobs. The union emphasized that Quantic Dream must comply with legal obligations during negotiations and included worker representatives' propositions in the layoffs plan.

The STJV previously advocated for a national strike in the French games industry in June, citing Quantic Dream's layoffs. Despite claiming to IGN in June that development of Star Wars Eclipse continued as planned with full team commitment, Quantic Dream has now faced demands for an open-ended strike starting August 5th.