Workers in the French video game sector protested against layoffs and harsh working conditions with a nationwide one-day strike yesterday. The Syndicat des Travailleurs et Travailleuses du Jeu Vidéo (STJV) union is supporting this movement by launching a Grève Bundle on Itch.io, containing over 50 games, digital books, and other materials, available for $10.

More than 1,000 participants took part in the strike across the country, marking it as potentially the first industry-wide action of its kind. This follows a trend of increasing layoffs and studio closures in France, where 580 game studios were reported in 2022.

The STJV criticized the gaming industry, referring to it as a “corporate circus” and outlined four demands addressing job security, financial transparency, work-life balance, and direct participation in company decisions by the workers.

“Unionize, go on strike, gain new rights!” the union stated on Bluesky.

The Grève Bundle aims to replenish the STJV’s strike fund, assisting those who lost income due to the strike.