Despite L.A. Noire‘s critical and financial success, things have been looking down for developer Team Bondi with the recent IGDA investigation of unfair working conditions. Now it looks like its relationship with Rockstar Games may be deteriorating.
A source who previously worked at Team Bondi explains that the partnership with Rockstar is likely over.
"I’ve heard a lot about Rockstar’s disdain for Team Bondi, and it has been made quite clear that they will not publish Team Bondi’s next game," said the former staff member. "Team Bondi are trying to find another publisher for their next title, but the relationship with Rockstar has been badly damaged – Brendan treats L.A. Noire like a success due to his vision but I think Rockstar are the ones who saved the project."
The source then went on to release a series of emails detailing the souring relationship between the two companies.
"Every dog has its day and there’s going to be hell to pay for this one," read one email from Team Bondi founder Brendan McNamara in reference to Rockstar. "I’ll never forget being treated like an absolute **** by these people."
The message was accidentally sent to the entire staff.
Further claims and emails from the source address inflexible working hours and pay freezes among other controversial issues. This new information from a former staff member will likely have a significant impact on the aforementioned IGDA investigation.
