A Shift in Industry Attitudes Towards Outsourcing is Long Overdue

The recent news of two prominent composers, Sarah Schachner and Mick Gordon, experiencing irreparable breakdowns in their relationships with high-profile game studios, Activision Blizzard and Id Software, respectively, has brought attention to a long-standing problem in the game development industry. This issue revolves around the treatment of contractors and outsourcing partners, which has become a ubiquitous practice over the past two decades. While outsourcing has provided benefits such as flexibility, it has also been misused by some companies to downsize their workforce or outsource critical aspects of development. This has led to a culture of disposability, where contractors are viewed as interchangeable and are often subjected to poor working conditions, particularly in developing countries. The industry's approach to outsourcing has been marked by a focus on cost-cutting, rather than recognizing the value that skilled contractors bring to a project. This has resulted in a lack of respect for creative professionals, with some executives viewing them as disposable or scapegoats for project failures. The recent conflicts between composers and game studios serve as a wake-up call for the industry to reevaluate its approach to outsourcing and contracting. It is essential to recognize the value of skilled contractors and treat them with respect, particularly those with a high profile or a strong track record in the industry. The game development industry can learn from Hollywood's approach to contracting, where talented individuals are handled with care and respect. As the industry continues to evolve, it is likely that contracts for creative outsourcing will become more restrictive, and contractors will be more insistent on adherence to standard terms. This shift in power dynamics may lead to some studios resisting change, but ultimately, it will be necessary for the industry to adopt a more respectful and equitable approach to outsourcing and contracting.