Life Is Strange Developer Don't Nod Blasted by Union Employees Over 'Illegal' Management Practices as Possible Layoffs Loom

Key Points:

• Employees of Don't Nod, the developer behind the original Life is Strange games, have warned that the company faces insolvency and potential layoffs, accusing management of illegal practices causing staff anxiety.
• The French game industry union revealed that Don't Nod is under a safeguard to protect against insolvency, with management presenting financial scenarios including significant redundancies and possible company liquidation by 2026.
• Nearly all non-managerial positions, including animators, artists, producers, designers, and programmers, have been cut, with management allegedly targeting individuals rather than roles, which the union claims is illegal.
• The union criticized management's reliance on outsourcing to cover workloads and highlighted severe workplace stress, including six accidents this year and a recent inquiry into serious dangers, alongside refusal to allow voluntary early departures.
• A government agency is set to rule on November 3 regarding the company's restructuring plan, with potential layoffs expected by November 25 if approved; this follows warnings that Don't Nod could run out of cash soon, putting future projects at risk.