Workers at NACON-owned studio Kylotonn are facing mass layoffs, prompting an open-ended strike that began on May 6, 2026. The Kylotonn Union announced the industrial action to protest the company's management and financial decisions. A meeting originally scheduled for May 6 to inform staff about the cuts was postponed to May 13. Union representatives believe this delay was intended to avoid negative press surrounding NACON's annual NACON Connect event.
The union has outlined several specific demands in response to the restructuring. These demands include the cancellation of the layoffs and the reactivation of an unannounced project. Workers are also calling for a transition to Engineers & Professionals status and a revision of their contracts with NACON. The union attributes the current crisis to years of warnings regarding the company's financial health and working conditions.
Kylotonn is best known for developing the WRC racing game series. The studio was acquired by NACON in October 2018. The union claims that the layoffs follow a pattern of disorganized productions led by what they consider incompetent leadership. They also cite the denial of democracy for workers and their representatives as a key factor in the deteriorating situation.
The strike highlights significant labor tensions within the French gaming industry. The union describes the working conditions as catastrophic and damaging to employee health. This conflict marks a sharp divergence between the studio's operational history and its current labor relations.
NACON has not confirmed the specific details of the layoffs or the reasons for the meeting delay. The union's belief regarding the timing of the postponement remains unverified by the company.
