After months of protests, strikes, and difficult negotiations, French game workers’ union STJV has struck a deal with Don’t Nod, the studio behind Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, to ease the impact of the company’s ongoing restructuring. Initially facing 69 job cuts, the new agreement could reduce that number to 49, with up to 23 positions saved through expanded voluntary departure options.
Crisis at Don’t Nod: Layoffs Announced Amid Financial Struggles
Back in October 2024, Don’t Nod publicly confirmed plans for major organizational changes, citing underwhelming financial performance and the need to adapt to “an increasingly demanding and competitive ecosystem.” The move triggered immediate backlash from STJV, which criticized the company’s leadership for what it called a failure in management and accused them of offloading the consequences onto employees.
Union Pushback: Strikes, Walkouts, and Hardball Negotiations
STJV quickly mobilized, organizing protests and encouraging staff to strike. The union also condemned Don’t Nod’s initial negotiations, claiming the studio only offered the bare legal minimum during talks and refused to meaningfully engage with the concerns of affected workers.
In a January statement, STJV described the discussions as “not conducive to any serious promise to employees,” emphasizing how its delegates were pushing for fairer treatment while management remained rigid.
A Deal Emerges: Voluntary Redundancies and Reduced Cuts
After four months of union pressure and sustained worker support, STJV announced a breakthrough. The new agreement opens the option for voluntary redundancies across a broader range of roles—not just those originally targeted for layoffs. This change allows individuals who wish to leave the company to do so voluntarily, potentially protecting others from forced dismissal.
Additionally, STJV confirmed that the total number of layoffs has already decreased from 69 to 49, thanks in part to a number of employee resignations since the restructuring was first revealed. The workers’ council (CSE) also played a role in adjusting management’s proposal, prompting further revisions to the layoff plan.
Additional Compensation and Back Pay for Strikers
Under the new agreement, Don’t Nod will provide extra-legal compensation to those who are laid off—offering better financial terms than initially proposed. Employees who joined the January strike will also be paid for the days they participated in industrial action. Meanwhile, strike funds collected during protests last year will now be distributed to those who walked out in November and December, with any surplus redirected to STJV’s national strike fund.
A Hard-Fought Victory, But the Struggle Continues
STJV praised its members and supporters for their unity and commitment, calling the outcome a “historic and successful mobilization.” The union emphasized that this progress wouldn’t have been possible without collective pressure and solidarity from within the studio and beyond.
Still, the union expressed disappointment that layoffs are happening at all, stressing that the broader fight for job security and improved conditions in the French games industry is far from over.
“Seeing anyone lose their job is never acceptable,” STJV said. “We hope this struggle sets a precedent for other studios. If any company out there hasn’t been paying attention—this is your memo. Collective action works. Hurrah to strikers, and hurrah to strikes.”
