- Rockstar Games, a division of Take-Two Interactive Software Inc., is discontinuing remote work and requiring employees to return to the office full-time starting in April.
- Security concerns, including leaks of early footage and trailers for Grand Theft Auto VI, are cited as a primary reason for the decision.
- The move towards in-person work aims to optimize productivity and ensure the delivery of Grand Theft Auto VI at the expected level of quality and polish.
Rockstar Games, a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive Software Inc., is discontinuing remote work and requiring employees to return to the office full-time starting in April. This decision comes as the company progresses into the final stages of developing its highly anticipated game, Grand Theft Auto VI.
In an email sent to employees on Wednesday, Rockstar’s Head of Publishing, Jenn Kolbe, outlined the rationale behind this move, citing productivity and security concerns. The company has experienced multiple security breaches, including significant leaks of early footage and trailers for Grand Theft Auto VI.
Kolbe emphasized the advantages of in-person collaboration, stating that the shift to on-site work will optimize the company’s ability to deliver Grand Theft Auto VI with the quality and polish expected, aligning with the ambitious publishing roadmap.
The debate over returning to the office has been widespread across industries in the wake of the pandemic. While some employers have opted for hybrid models, requiring employees to be in the office for a few days a week, Rockstar is mandating full-time office presence.
This decision has stirred controversy within the video game industry, known for its decentralized workforce and fluctuating nature. Despite concerns, numerous successful games released in 2023, like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 from Insomniac Games, were developed remotely, challenging the notion that remote work hampers productivity.
