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Industry Group to Set Video Games Work Standards

Posted by Zonk on from the stand-up-stand-up dept.

Chris Reimer writes "C|Net News is reporting that a new industry group will establish ethics and work standards for video game workers. From the article: 'With an aging work force of video game creators, the game industry is going through growing pains similar to what Hollywood once experienced. Today there are more programmers, artists and producers in their 30s, 40s and 50s, many with families, who are looking for better pay, fewer work hours and improved benefits. PEER will focus on representing these experienced programmers.'" This is more information on an organization that we've previously talked about (related, below).

6 of 23 comments (clear)

  1. General Technology by sedyn · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Has the general computer software industry gone through a similar phase?

    If not, should they change the scope to include everyone who designs computer software? (I know that the game industry is reputed to be particularly brutal to its workers, but I think it is a question worth asking none the less.)

    --
    Am I open minded towards open source, or closed minded towards closed source?
  2. Recruiters talking about benefits is kinda like... by jevvim · · Score: 4, Informative
    So a bunch of recruiters think "the game industry is going through growing pains similar to what Hollywood once experienced", and that their new Professional Electronic Entertainment Recruiters (PEER) organization "will provide an alternative to any potential unionization of game creators" with "a stringent standard of professionalism and conduct within game recruiting" because "by being honest with [game makers] about their options, "quality of life" problems like those that surfaced last year eventually will subside."

    Sounds vaguely like a protection racket to me - 'work with us or we might recommend unionization to those who want better benefits.' Recruiters talking about benefits is kinda like the user car dealer talking about the car - all they care about is moving you out in one & getting their cut on the deal.

  3. Sounds great? by TychoCelchuuu · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Today there are more programmers, artists and producers in their 30s, 40s and 50s, many with families, who are looking for better pay, fewer work hours and improved benefits. Heck, I know all sorts of people who want better pay, fewer work horus and improved benefits! Maybe these PEER guys should contact them, too! This could be some sort of revolution: more money and goodies for less work! It's amazing nobody has thought of this before.

    --
    Against stupidity the Gods themselves contend in vain.
  4. Re:Because we really feel sorry for you.... by __aaclcg7560 · · Score: 4, Informative

    Ironically, that's one of the reasons why I got out of the video game industry after six years. Why be a lead QA tester working 80-hours a week for months on end when you can work the Help Desk at a major corporation for 40-hours a week for the same amount of money? I now have the free time I need to enjoy the money I'm making now without some insecure boss snapping the whip at me.

  5. Re:Dupe Alert by Spy+der+Mann · · Score: 4, Funny

    This story is a dupe of the "related story" shown above.

    So THAT's why the "related story" feature was invented! :)

    Cool.

  6. Re:they should get more pay when they make NEW gam by Stormwatch · · Score: 4, Funny
    Why do we need another generic shotemup game, like Halo or Fear.
    This doesn't sound right...
    Why do we need another generic shotemup game, like Gradius or Truxton.
    There, I fixed it for you!
    --
    Circumcision is child abuse.