Chad Grenier, game director for Apex Legends, and other Respawn developers have defended working conditions in the studio, after negative criticism from the EA-owned company drew a lot of attention.
The current global health crisis has caused unprecedented problems in a large number of occupations, including video game design. A lot of companies have delayed content releases and made adjustments to their game schedules in order to cope.
However, a Respawn employee has beaten his employers in an overwhelmingly negative review of Glassdoor. The employee review is from April 2020 and criticizes Respawn for several things. While the positive reviews focus on office improvements and knowing how to make an attractive game, there are many more negative comments.
The post details “exhaustion, stress and great anxiety” experienced in Respawn, while working on Apex Legends. The employee declares that he is working 12 or 13 hours a day and does not consider that the deadlines have been flexible enough to adapt to difficult working conditions. It also states that “attention” has not been paid to the health of employees.
Negative criticism.
The review was posted on the Apex Legends subreddit, where it quickly caught the eye.
Several Respawn developers on Reddit joined the conversation, and many defended the company. Chad Grenier, game director at Respawn Entertainment, was one of those who spoke.
In a lengthy response, he stated, “I really believe Respawn has the interest and health of its employees in mind, and always has … As the leader of the Apex team, he spoke every day telling people to only work as hard as They can. This was reiterated by Studio’s leadership and EA’s leadership as well. “
The studio behind Apex Legends is Respawn Entertainment.
“Regarding deadlines and delays, I told the team about their deadlines,” Grenier continued. “Like a broken record, I continually asked people to speak to their managers or producers if they won’t be able to get their work done on time without setbacks. The delays would be fine, we just need to know that one is needed.”
On the subject of the anonymous staff member behind the review, Grenier clarified that he doesn’t think they are “wrong,” but that many of his employees don’t want to be disappointed, or the game’s fan base.
He summed up: “Are we perfect? No, of course not. Respawn and EA are 100% more concerned with the health of the team than the game and its profits? Absolutely, even in non-pandemic times. As one of the original Respawners Honestly I can tell you that Respawn (and EA) has been a great place to be for the past 10 years and it is a place that puts people first. “
Other developers in the studio also commented. “I can honestly say that I personally feel very supported by my teammates and leaders,” said Moy Parra, animator for Apex Legends. “Respawn is not a perfect place, but damn it, they prioritize the well-being of their developers.”
It is fair to assume that the current global health situation has created more problems for video game developers than initially seemed, which may in some way explain the difficult conditions experienced by staff.
Respawn and EA have yet to make an official statement as a company.
