Sledgehammer Games Relocates to Smaller Office Space: A Shift Toward Remote Work
In a surprising move, Sledgehammer Games, the renowned game development studio, has announced its decision to close its main office in California and move to a smaller office space. This news came to light during a recent video conference held for the entire team, where it was revealed that employees would be working remotely until a new office space near the current location is secured. The transition to remote work is expected to continue until the end of 2024.
This marks an interesting moment in Sledgehammer Games’ journey, as it has also been announced that the studio will be the lead developer for the highly-anticipated Call of Duty game in 2027. The game for 2026 is set to be developed by Infinity Ward and will be based in the Modern Warfare universe, while the 2025 installment is planned as a partially futuristic continuation of Black Ops 2, codenamed Saturn.
The decision to embrace remote work has stirred some internal frustration within the company. In December 2023, Activision announced that all Quality Assurance (QA) employees working on the Call of Duty game in Minneapolis, Austin, and El Segundo would be required to return to the office five days a week. According to union sources, Activision’s recent announcement regarding Sledgehammer Games’ shift to remote work has been dubbed a “slap in the face” by some employees.
The transition back to traditional work has affected an unknown number of QA employees who have had to either relocate or resign to adapt to the changes.
The ABK Workers Alliance has also voiced its opinion on this announcement. According to a spokesperson, Sledgehammer’s temporary remote work arrangement suggests that the company has the ability to grant remote work permissions to QA employees who request it due to disability, distance, or other factors, but chooses not to do so.
Over the past 12 months, remote work in the gaming industry has faced limitations, but with the beginning of 2024, it seems that this trend will persist.
FAQ:
1. What are Sledgehammer Games’ plans for its main office?
Sledgehammer Games intends to close its main office in California and move to a smaller office space. Employees will work remotely until a new office near the current location is found.
2. How long will employees be working remotely?
It is anticipated that employees will work from home until the end of 2024.
3. What role does Sledgehammer Games play in the Call of Duty franchise?
The studio will serve as the lead developer for the Call of Duty game in 2027.
4. How have the internal reactions been to the decision of remote work?
The decision to embrace remote work has generated frustration within the company, particularly following the announcement that other QA employees are required to return to the office five days a week.
5. What are the consequences of the transition back to traditional work for QA employees?
An undisclosed number of QA employees have had to either relocate or resign to adapt to the changes.
6. What is the stance of the ABK Workers Alliance regarding remote work?
Representatives of the ABK Workers Alliance believe that Sledgehammer Games’ transition to remote work indicates that the company has the capability to grant remote work permissions to QA employees, but chooses not to do so.
7. Is remote work on the rise in the gaming industry?
Yes, it appears that remote work in the gaming industry will continue to be prevalent in 2024 and beyond.
Definitions:
– Activision: A company involved in the creation and publishing of computer games, including the Call of Duty series.
– QA (Quality Assurance): The department responsible for quality control in the process of game development.
– ABK Workers Alliance: A labor union organization representing employees in the gaming industry.
Example sources:
– Sledgehammer Games official website
– Call of Duty official website
– Activision official website
The source of the article is from the blog elektrischnederland.nl