Earlier this year, as the COVID-19 pandemic spread around the world, a number of game studios (including 343 Industries, Bungie, and even Nintendo) implemented remote work policies to prevent the virus from spreading within the workplace. While some games were delayed due to the transition period, studios have for the most part adapted well to having their developers working from home.
Now, Wargaming Sydney in Australia has announced that the work from home arrangements for their staff will continue until at least June 2021, giving staff some certainty that they won’t be expected to shift back into the office any time soon.
We recently told our team that we’re extending #WFH plans to at least June 2021. The studio will still be open for those who prefer to work there, and we’re continuing to grow the studio and hire, with interviews conducted virtually.#wearewargaming pic.twitter.com/Xc9mU1BXGP
— Wargaming Sydney is hiring! (@WG_SYD) August 11, 2020
While Australia’s current outbreak is mostly limited to the state of Victoria, Sydney still has some cases of community transmission as businesses continue the process of re-opening.
The announcement has drawn comment from other devs, with Tami Sigmund, an employee at Blizzard, saying that more studios should confirm that work from home arrangements will be ongoing. “I really don’t think anyone in games is going back into an office until next summer at the earliest,” Sigmund said.
I really don’t think anyone in games is going back into an office until next summer at the earliest. I wish they’d announce it like Wargaming so we can plan and have peace of mind. https://t.co/OlWmGkPG57
— tami sigmund 🐴🎮 (@cuppy) August 11, 2020
While the pandemic hasn’t been smooth sailing for the games industry, it’s definitely come out better than other parts of the entertainment world. Though trade events such as E3 and GDC had to be cancelled or moved online, gaming has seen a surge of interest and income as people stuck at home look for new ways to entertain themselves.
