After the EA spouse spoke up a couple of weeks ago about the conditions of games industry employees, the lines have been buzzing, with a whole host of organisations determined not to shove this issue under the carpet - again. The International Game Development Association has published an open letter to, well, everyone which provides good links to some of the major points, celebrates top dev houses for their ability to balance life and work, and directs all readers to their superb (and harrowing) Quality of Life White Paper. I'm particularly looking forward to their list of "best companies to work for"; it should be a good boost for some of the unknowns who struggle against the behemoths.
There are a couple of other things to consider that need to be addressed regarding this issue which seem to be slipping under the radar of many discussions.
Firstly, it is important to remember that games is not the only work-them-until-they-bleed industry. I recall speaking with a woman at the Women in Games Conference UK who had come to work for a UK developer from television because making games is perceived as being a relative walk in the park. This is regardless of unionisation in the TV and Film industries.
Secondly, the issue has serious ramifications for the perceived importance of diversifying the games industry; doing a "double shift" under normal circumstances is tough for the majority of women, but combining a family life and 80+ hours per week is simply impossible.
Finally, and perhaps most controversially, is the UK going to wait until the US games industry makes some decisions and then follow along in their giant footsteps, or will there be a movement from this side of the proverbial pond which sets the precedent for international games developers?
