Update: In a statement provided to Insider Gaming, a Spiders representative called the allegations from STJV "false and even accusatory."The statement went on to say the claims "in no way" reflect the studio's day-to-day work life, and attack Spiders' reputation. It also affirmed management's commitment to "open and constructive social dialogue.""Spiders’ employees are the heart of the studio," the statement concludes, "and we are determined to maintain an inclusive and stimulating working environment in which every talent can flourish and of which we can all be proud."That statement also notes that leadership is aiming to negotiate with staff over the studio's working conditions by the end of the week.Original story (…

We're back, and I mean that in a very literal sense. We've just returned from Gamescom 2024 where this (rather fatigued) editor had a wonderful time catching up with old faces and new.Most of our week was spent flitting between the business areas, chatting all things video games with developers, publishers, studio leaders, and pretty much anybody PR would let us in a room with. Our ongoing Gamescom coverage is right here, so do tuck in.Outside of the show, the flags were cracking, the bratwurst was sizzling, and the Kolsch was flowing. I know, because that's pretty much all I could hear from my hotel room in Alter Markt. Yes, I chose to slap myself in the middle of a market square bustling with interlopers whose sole purpose in life was to prevent me from sleeping. Yes, it w…