Company Directory - Rockstar Games, Inc.
Company Details - Rockstar Games, Inc.
Rockstar Games, Inc.
WebsiteNew York City, United States
Rockstar Games, Inc. is an American video game developer and publisher renowned for creating high-profile franchises such as Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption, and Bully. The company is known for its influential role in shaping the open-world action-adventure genre and for pushing creative boundaries in interactive entertainment.
CCI Score
CCI Score: Rockstar Games, Inc.
-1.99
0.01%
Latest Event
Rockstar Games improves working conditions following investigation
Following an investigation that revealed excessive overtime and precarious temporary contracts, Rockstar Games implemented measures such as converting contract staff to full-time positions and introducing flexible working hours, indicating a positive shift in labor relations and respect for worker rights.
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BYSTANDER
Rockstar Games, Inc. is currently rated as a Bystander.
Latest Events
- MAR132025
Following an investigation that revealed excessive overtime and precarious temporary contracts, Rockstar Games implemented measures such as converting contract staff to full-time positions and introducing flexible working hours, indicating a positive shift in labor relations and respect for worker rights.
+80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 23
The article details how an investigation into excessive overtime and temporary contract pressures prompted Rockstar Games to improve working conditions. By converting contract roles to full-time positions and introducing flex hours, the company has demonstrated a commitment to better labor relations and human rights practices, addressing issues that can contribute to exploitation. This proactive step is a positive counteraction against systemic labor abuses, which are often interlinked with broader structures of corporate complicity in authoritarian practices.
- JAN202025
Following Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20th, concerns have emerged regarding the imposition of tariffs on imported goods and potential content restrictions that could affect Rockstar Games. The article highlights how these policies might raise production costs and pressure the gaming industry toward increased regulation of user-generated content, yet Rockstar is expected to stand firm against authoritarian pressures.
+40
Public and Political Behavior
March 23
The article emphasizes that despite mounting pressures for content censorship and regulatory changes under Trump’s authoritarian policies, Rockstar Games is portrayed as resisting these impositions and upholding creative freedom. This resistance aligns with anti-fascist values, earning a positive score under Public and Political Behavior.
From Tariffs To Restrictions: How Trump’s Policies Could Affect Rockstar Games
+10
Economic and Structural Influence
March 23
Trump’s tariffs on goods produced in countries like Mexico could increase production costs for physical game media. Although these economic pressures pose challenges, Rockstar Games is not complicit in implementing such policies, and the company is more a victim of external protectionist measures than a collaborator in authoritarian practices.
From Tariffs To Restrictions: How Trump’s Policies Could Affect Rockstar Games
+20
Technology and Services Impact
March 23
The article touches on concerns regarding potential government intervention in moderating user-generated content, such as mods, which are pivotal to Rockstar’s community. While increased regulation could pressure the company toward censorship, indications suggest that Rockstar Games intends to defend digital freedoms, yielding a moderately positive score under Technology and Services Impact.
From Tariffs To Restrictions: How Trump’s Policies Could Affect Rockstar Games
- MAR012024
Rockstar Games faces internal backlash as employees and the IWGB Game Workers Union criticize the decision to end remote work policies. Workers claim the full-time office return will revive toxic 'crunch' practices and ignore their calls for fair work conditions.
-70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 23
The decision to force employees back into a full-time office environment has been met with strong criticism from workers and the IWGB Game Workers Union. This shift, which undoes promised remote work flexibility, is likely to exacerbate unhealthy work practices such as mandatory overtime and 'crunch' culture. The move disregards the needs of employees who benefited from remote work, particularly those managing disabilities, and represents a neglect of fair labor practices and worker rights.
Rockstar Games Employees Criticize Company’s Full-Time Office Return Decision: IWGB Voices Concerns
- MAR012024
Rockstar Games' controversial mandate requiring full-time office work during GTA 6 development has sparked significant backlash from employees and union representatives, who fear a return to toxic crunch practices and diminished labor rights.
-60
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 23
The company's abrupt return-to-office policy, implemented without adequate consultation, has reignited longstanding concerns regarding labor exploitation and unhealthy work conditions. Employees and union representatives warn that reverting to pre-pandemic in-office mandates may lead to a resurgence of notorious crunch culture, thereby undermining workers' rights and well-being.
Rockstar Faces Backlash Over Return to Office Policy Amid GTA 6 Development
- FEB282024
On February 28, 2024, Rockstar Games reversed its previous remote work policy, mandating that most workers return to the office five days a week. This decision, announced with little consultation and in spite of prior promises, has been widely criticized for undermining worker autonomy, ignoring union advocacy, and imposing undue hardships on employees with health, care, or accessibility challenges.
-80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 23
Rockstar Games' decision to retract remote work options and enforce a full-time office presence disregards the concerns of employees and union members. The move represents a significant breach of trust, as it reverses earlier commitments to flexible work arrangements and fails to account for the diverse needs of its workforce. This has resulted in increased anxiety among staff, potential health risks, and a return to exploitative work practices reminiscent of the notorious 'crunch' culture in gaming. Such labor practices contribute to an oppressive and authoritarian work culture.
Game workers forced back to office oppose 'reckless decision' from Rockstar
- OCT242023
Rockstar Games UK Limited released its 2023 Modern Slavery Statement outlining comprehensive policies to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in its operations and supply chains. The document details robust employee recruitment practices, adherence to the Real Living Wage, ethical supplier code, and strict compliance with the U.K. Modern Slavery Act 2015.
+75
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 8
The statement demonstrates Rockstar's commitment to labor rights and human dignity by enforcing fair employment practices, equal opportunity policies, and rigorous compliance with anti-modern slavery legislation. These measures are clear indicators of strong labor relations and respect for human rights.
PDF Rockstar Games Uk Limited U.k. Modern Slavery Statement 2023
+60
Supply Chain Ethics
April 8
Rockstar’s statement includes a detailed Supplier Code of Conduct and due diligence processes for its global supply chain. This ensures that its suppliers adhere to anti-slavery standards and human rights norms, reinforcing ethical sourcing practices.
PDF Rockstar Games Uk Limited U.k. Modern Slavery Statement 2023
- OCT042023
Rockstar Games has introduced significant changes to its workplace culture, including a flexitime program to offset excessive overtime and initiatives aimed at narrowing the gender pay gap, as reported by Bloomberg.
+75
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 8
Rockstar Games has taken positive steps to reform its labor practices by introducing a flexitime program that allows employees to take immediate time off for extra hours worked and by addressing longstanding gender pay disparities. These improvements enhance worker rights and signal a move away from the previously criticized culture of overwork and exploitation.
- JUL272022
Rockstar Games has overhauled its workplace culture in response to longstanding worker backlash, eliminating excessive crunch and implementing comprehensive reforms such as restructuring departments, converting contractors to full-time roles, and introducing robust mental health and leave benefits. These progressive changes aim to create a more compassionate and sustainable working environment, although they have led to slower development on GTA 6.
+80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 8
The article describes significant improvements in labor relations, including the elimination of exploitative crunch culture, restructuring of teams, and enhanced employee benefits. These changes reflect a strong commitment to progressive labor practices and human rights, which are highly valued from an anti-fascist perspective.
Rockstar Reportedly Made Major Changes To Company Culture After Worker Backlash Over Crunch
- AUG012019
Following months of labor controversy, Rockstar's British studio, Rockstar Lincoln, transitioned game-testers from contractors to full-time employees effective August 1, 2019. This move aims to improve job security amid longstanding reports of arduous working conditions and mandatory overtime.
+75
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 8
Converting game-testers to full-time employment marks a significant improvement in labor practices at Rockstar Games. This action helps address previous exploitative practices, reducing job insecurity and excessive overtime pressures documented among temporary staff. Such a shift enhances workers' rights and aligns with anti-authoritarian, pro-labor ethics.
Months After Labor Controversy, Rockstar Converts Game-Testers To Full-Time
- OCT262018
Former employees recount extreme mandatory overtime, unpaid labor, and a pervasive culture of fear at Rockstar Games, highlighting long hours, unrealistic expectations, and managerial pressures that compromise workers' rights and well-being.
-80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 8
The article presents numerous accounts from ex-employees who describe forced, excessive overtime, inadequate compensation for long working hours, and a work environment that fosters fear and suppresses dissent. Such conditions severely undermine labor rights and ethical workplace practices, contributing to an authoritarian and exploitative corporate culture.
- OCT232018
A UK investigation from October 23, 2018, highlights that many current and former Rockstar Games employees were pressured into working long hours, including nights and weekends during crunch periods. The report details how salaried employees, in particular, were not compensated for overtime, raising concerns about worker exploitation and poor labor conditions.
-70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 8
The investigation exposes systemic issues in Rockstar Games' labor practices. The culture of 'crunch' forces employees to work excessive hours without proper overtime compensation, which undermines worker rights and contributes to a hostile work environment. This is indicative of practices that disregard the well-being and fair treatment of workers, aligning with concerns of labor exploitation.
- OCT182018
In response to a controversy over alleged excessive overtime and harsh working conditions, Rockstar Games defended its labor practices. The company clarified that reports of 100-hour weeks applied only to a small group of senior staff, while some former employees shared accounts of extreme overtime and workplace stress.
-60
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 8
The event centers on labor practices where severe overtime expectations and employee breakdowns were reported, reflecting exploitative work conditions. Although Rockstar Games defended its practices by attributing extreme hours to a minority of senior staff and describing overtime as a choice, the accounts from former employees indicate systemic issues that undermine workers' rights.
UK: Rockstar Games responds to controversy over working conditions
- OCT182018
Amid growing allegations of 'crunch culture' at Rockstar Games, employees reported being subjected to grueling 100-hour work weeks while management defended overtime as voluntary. This event highlights longstanding allegations of abuse in labor practices at the company.
-70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 23
The article details reports of extreme working hours and a 'crunch culture' at Rockstar Games, including instances of employees working 100-hour weeks to meet project deadlines. This pattern of overworking staff, combined with historically documented allegations of abusive labor practices, indicates a disregard for worker rights and fair labor standards, contributing negatively to the company’s ethical responsibilities.
Rockstar Games Controversy, Explained: Why People Are Accusing the ...
- JAN012014
In 2014, Rockstar Games, Inc. spent $200,000 on lobbying activities, raising concerns about its potential to influence political outcomes in ways that may bolster authoritarian agendas. This level of political engagement, although not massive compared to other corporate efforts, highlights the company's willingness to invest in shaping policy debates—a tactic that anti-fascist advocates argue undermines democratic processes.
-30
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 23
The disclosure that Rockstar Games, Inc. spent $200,000 on lobbying in 2014 points to corporate political influence that may contribute indirectly to policies favoring authoritarian practices. This expenditure is concerning from an anti-fascist perspective, as corporate lobbying can often skew policy discussions and undermine democratic accountability.
- JAN012014
Rockstar Inc spent $200,000 on lobbying in 2014 as reported by OpenSecrets, indicating corporate efforts to influence political processes. This involvement raises concerns among anti-fascist critics who view such political spending as enabling undue corporate influence in democratic policy-making.
-50
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 23
The OpenSecrets report reveals that Rockstar Inc spent $200,000 on lobbying in 2014. This level of spending is concerning from an anti-fascist perspective because corporate lobbying has the potential to influence policy in ways that favor authoritarian interests. Such political contributions can undermine democratic accountability and support power structures that facilitate undemocratic practices.
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