Indie Game Turns Office Worker Unrest into Pixelated Strategy for Unionization

In an industry deeply affected by massive layoffs, a new indie game inspired by Pikmin allows players to experience a unique form of resistance by tossing co-workers at management to drive unionization efforts.

When considered, the concept of Pikmin's minion-throwing strategy aligns well with themes of power dynamics. While older titles like Overlord had players role-play as an all-powerful evil boss using goblin minions to do their dirty work, this new indie game flips the script entirely.

Drawing from Pikmin for inspiration, Labor Power emerges as a free, browser-based pixel art strategy game centered on uniting an entire office workforce. The protagonist decides that waiting 45 years to retire isn't appealing and yearns to feel human again. Thus begins the journey of rallying co-workers from their desks, navigating the office, and ultimately confronting the main boss, a representation of capitalism.

The game incorporates familiar mechanics reminiscent of Pikmin, such as obstacles that require a specific number of co-workers to move and the ability to fling them at security guards to achieve a quick stun. Labor Power is described on its Itch.io page as a game dedicated to class solidarity and improving working conditions, emphasizing that success in the game or organizing a strike can't be done solo. Developer Feature Kreep first conceptualized the game during a 2024 Game Jam with a "Power" theme, later expanding it into the current 15-minute mini-strategy game.

Amidst a time when the relevance of unionizing has never been clearer, with numerous video game developers facing mass layoffs and studio closures, the game resonates strongly. Just yesterday, Destiny developer Bungie laid off an additional 220 employees.

Numerous teams have chosen a path akin to Labor Power's message—not by physically tossing co-workers, but by forming unions. For instance, soon after Bethesda Game Studios staff organized a comprehensive cross-department union, 500 World of Warcraft developers followed suit, joining the growing list of unionized game industry personnel.

For those interested in more, there are many other intriguing indie games set to release in 2024 and beyond.