Nintendo Game Tester Allegedly Fired For Discussing Unionization

Video games have thoroughly evolved over the decennia, becoming the latest form of arguably the most popular entertainment media for teens and adults.

The games industry is primarily dominated by many giant companies, namely Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony. The innovation in gaming can be credited to the leadership of these giants.

However, it is not always sunshine and rainbows for the employees that work in these establishments. There are hurdles the developers and game testers face behind the curtains to craft alluring games we love and adore. Regardless, some cases tread too far and become a point of criticism for these enterprises.

Major Takeaway:

• A Nintendo game tester, Mackenzie Clifton, was allegedly reprimanded for asking a question about unionization a few months ago. Later he was laid off.
• Clifton claims he was fired from Nintendo and a contracting firm, Aston Carter, after a few weeks, and not because of the official reason.
• Nintendo denied unions had anything to do with Clifton being laid off.

According to an investigative report by Axios, a Nintendo game tester, Mackenzie Clifton, was allegedly laid-off from Nintendo and a contracting firm, Aston Carter. Clifton was given official reasoning for his discharge, but he claims it’s false. 

What Nintendo official stated as the reason for this is another story. The tester was fired for publicly disclosing “confidential information” as per the company.

The cause refers to a Twitter post made by Clifton on February 16th, which stated: “in today’s build someone somewhere must have deleted every other texture in the game bc everything is now red. Just like, pure red. it’s very silly.” 

Now, the individual in question believes that the post is a mere misdirection, vague, and clearly does not identify the project at hand. Clifton connected all the dots and traced back the inception of his downfall to an online company meeting for hundreds of Nintendo testers in January.

In a Q/A session during the meeting, Clifton asked a question regarding unionization, which went unanswered. Later he got a call from Aston Carter and was reprimanded. He was laid off after a few weeks following the prior event, according to his words.

Nintendo officially denied his justification and cited, “Nintendo is not aware of any attempts to unionize or related activity.” The giant company claims that he was laid off for disclosing information publically. However, the tweet in question is not definitive. 

NEWS: Nintendo tells me person who filed the NLRB complaint was a complaint was a contractor who, they say, leaked confidential information and was dismissed only for that reason.

"Nintendo is not aware of any attempts to unionize or related activity" pic.twitter.com/mr3lnujV3N

— Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo) April 21, 2022

Clifton’s eventually decided to file a complaint against Nintendo and Aston Carter. He stated it was “more to show the world and show my former coworkers that something like a union would be not only beneficial but maybe even necessary in the coming years.”

This is not the first time Nintendo has ended up in murky waters. The enormous cooperation has been criticized plenty of times in the past for not treating its employees nicely.

Axios’ investigative report deeply explores the overlying issue and discusses various past instances of Nintendo’s misconduct with its employees. 

What are your thoughts about Mackenzie Clifton potentially being fired for merely asking a question about unionization? Do let us know your opinions in the comments below.

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