The CWA has criticized Sony for the excesses of Firewalk Studios and Neon Koi.
As reported by Sport Developer, the CWA stated that the closure of both developers showed that “highly isolated video game CEOs are creating dangerous working conditions for workers by eliminating their job security.”
The CWA also stated that Neon Koi’s closure was due to Sony “expanding its monopoly position in the video game industry.”
“Sony’s decision to disband studios outside of its walled garden of exclusive PlayStation content, rather than create games that have to compete in the highly diverse and competitive mobile gaming market, should be a warning sign about Sony’s interests.” in promoting its monopoly position in the video game industry,” he mentioned.
“[The] “CWA plans to raise the anticompetitive impacts of Sony’s growing monopoly and monopsony power with antitrust regulators, policymakers, and relevant stakeholders.”
The union also reiterated its stance on collective bargaining.
“Collective bargaining not only allows workers a seat at the table to negotiate fair compensation, but also a voice on the job to have a say in how workers will be affected by job cuts,” he said.
Sony announced the closure of Firewalk Studios and Neon Koi on October 29.
Sony Studio Industry Workforce CEO Herman Hulst said the verdict was issued following an analysis of its “game portfolio and the state of [its] projects to ensure [it is] meet short- and long-term business priorities.
