As a lifelong gamer and avid follower of the gaming industry, I find myself deeply troubled by the recent allegations against Bandai Namco. Having witnessed firsthand the impact that Konami’s treatment of Hideo Kojima had on the gaming community, it’s disheartening to see similar practices being potentially employed by another major player in our beloved world of games.
Bandai Namco faces allegations for creating “dismissal rooms,” which some claim are used to push employees out of the company, sparking widespread online outrage. This controversy follows a series of underperforming video games released by the company, like Tales of the Rays and Blue Protocol.
Based on Bloomberg reports, approximately 200 Bandai Namco staff members were isolated in separate rooms, and around 100 of them have chosen to leave the company. The employees placed in these rooms are not given any work-related tasks, a practice intended to gradually erode their mental wellbeing, ultimately leading to resignations.
In contrast, there’s a split opinion within the anime and gaming communities concerning this approach. Some enthusiasts view the expulsion rooms as chances to engage in other activities while earning their monthly salaries, whereas others find it inhumane due to its potential impact on employee motivation and mental well-being. Despite Bandai Namco denying these rooms, they’ve acknowledged that some employees might need to wait before being assigned new tasks.
As news about these isolation rooms spreads throughout the gaming community, many gamers find themselves reminded of the actions Konami took against Hideo Kojima, just months before the release of Metal Gear Solid V. In an interview with Glixel in 2016, Game Awards host Geoff Keighley revealed that Konami confined Kojima to a secluded room and floor, keeping him away from his team, in order for him to complete the game.
Bandai Namco, the developer behind popular anime-based video games like Naruto and One Piece, has temporarily halted production on multiple projects indefinitely. Furthermore, a Nintendo game project by the same company has either been suspended or scrapped entirely.
Despite having strong labor regulations, the practice of temporarily isolating employees in a separate space, similar to a time-out for a child, might appear excessive. However, this policy enables workers to seek alternative employment opportunities without losing their current income.
Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with this practice, be sure to stay updated with the latest gaming community news and stories by following Gfinity Esports.
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2024-10-17 12:42