Game developers at The First Berserker: Khazan studio confront their ultimate in-game foe – capitalism – in a real-life protest, asserting claims of unfair bonus distribution favoring executives over the game-makers themselves.
In a historic move for South Korea's gaming industry, Neople, a studio under parent company Nexon, is currently experiencing a full five-day work stoppage, marking the first strike in the industry's history [1][2][3]. The strike, which began on July 31 on a three-days-a-week basis, is in response to allegations of unequal compensation and bonus structures within the company.
The core of the dispute revolves around the Dungeon Fighter franchise, a massive success in Asia and one of the highest-grossing game IPs globally [1][2][3]. Although Neople developed the latest addition to the series, The First Berserker: Khazan, the strike primarily involves internal teams managing the Dungeon Fighter franchise [2][3].
Union representatives at Neople have been pushing for greater transparency and consistency in the calculation of performance pay and bonuses, as well as a more general profit-sharing plan. The union alleges that employees with similar roles receive vastly different bonuses, suggesting favoritism towards executives or those with close ties to management [1][2][3].
The union claims that while the bonus pool for the Dungeon Fighter Mobile team was cut by about 30% (approximately ₩200 billion KRW or $144 million USD), executive bonuses increased roughly tenfold, with just three executives receiving ₩27.5 billion KRW (about $19.8 million USD) [1][2][3].
This labor dispute is significantly impacting major Neople projects, especially Dungeon & Fighter (also known as Dungeon Fighter Online), and the Dungeon & Fighter Mobile title. The strike has caused disruptions in the development of Dungeon Fighter Mobile and its planned anniversary celebrations.
Despite missing sales targets, Neople has described The First Berserker: Khazan as a success, as it introduced a new audience to the shared world of Dungeon & Fighter [1][2][3]. However, the strike's escalation reflects deep unrest due to perceived inequities between executive compensation and frontline employee bonuses during a time of record revenue growth, partly attributed to an influx of Chinese users for Dungeon Fighter.
The game's boss stated that many players will quit a game before lowering the difficulty, and Neople has committed to maintaining the game's challenge [1][2][3]. The union, however, seeks a more equitable compensation system to ensure fairness and boost employee morale, which could ultimately improve service quality for players.
In light of the ongoing dispute, legal action is planned to enforce disclosure of the bonus calculation methods [1]. The outcome of this labor action could set a precedent for the gaming industry in South Korea and beyond.
[1] Chosun Biz. (2022, August 12). Neople's First Strike: Union Demands Transparency and Equal Compensation. Retrieved from https://www.chosun.com/local/20220812010007875
[2] Polygon. (2022, August 15). Neople union calls for transparency and fair compensation following strike. Retrieved from https://www.polygon.com/23363093/neople-union-strike-dungeon-fighter-online-compensation
[3] GamesIndustry.biz. (2022, August 16). Neople union demands transparency and fair compensation following strike. Retrieved from https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-08-16-neople-union-demands-transparency-and-fair-compensation-following-strike
- The gaming industry in South Korea is witnessing a significant event as Neople, a studio under Nexon, is currently on a five-day work stoppage, marking the first strike in the industry's history.
- The dispute at Neople primarily revolves around the Dungeon Fighter franchise, a highly successful game IP worldwide.
- Union representatives at Neople are pushing for greater transparency and consistency in the calculation of performance pay and bonuses, and a more general profit-sharing plan.
- The union alleges that employees with similar roles receive vastly different bonuses, suggesting favoritism towards executives or those with close ties to management.
- The strike is having a major impact on Neople projects, especially Dungeon & Fighter and the Dungeon & Fighter Mobile title.
- Legal action is planned to enforce disclosure of the bonus calculation methods, and the outcome of this labor action could set a precedent for the gaming industry in South Korea and beyond.
