MercurySteam, one of the most well-known studios in the Spanish video game industry, is going through a significant labor crisis following the implementation of the Irregular Work Schedule (DIJ) in January 2025. This measure has allowed the company to establish workdays of up to 10 hours, which has generated growing discontent among employees due to the lack of communication and the pressure to perform mandatory overtime.
MercurySteam is a terrible place to work
Workers have reported a toxic work environment, characterized by a lack of transparency, unjustified dismissals, and the imposition of precarious working conditions. The situation has led several employees to organize into a union, the CSVI, in order to fight for their rights and improve conditions within the studio.
Since the introduction of the DIJ, employees have reported long hours, little administrative support, and a climate of fear that affects their emotional well-being. The company has not officially communicated these changes, which has caused confusion and uncertainty among the staff. Many workers have been dismissed, often after expressing opposition to these new working conditions, raising concerns about the legitimacy of such dismissals.
The management’s response to the growing distrust has been to restrict internal communication, eliminating informal channels and announcing audits on employee communications. This policy has intensified the climate of fear and has left workers feeling like mere cogs in a machine, with no recognition or appreciation for their efforts.
As layoffs continue and labor practices become stricter, the future of MercurySteam looks uncertain. The lack of attention to the well-being of its employees could impact not only its organizational culture, but also its ability to attract and retain talent in an increasingly competitive sector.
