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Visual Novel Writers Win Labor Conflict

A group of 21 Lovestruck writers have won themselves a substantial pay raise following a strike that lasted around three weeks.

If you're unfamiliar with the situation, Lovestruck is a visual novel that is constantly distributing new content via a mobile app five days a week. A team of writers cranks out new content on a regular basis, feeding a fandom a never-ending stream of romantic stories.

Unfortunately, this intenses schedule didn't come with the best pay rate. The Voltage Organized Workers claimed that they were paid less than half the industry-standard rate for their writing and subsequently striked. At the time, Voltage — the company behind Lovestruck — strated that it was at an impasse and would replace the striking writers.

"Voltage has made all it's attempts in good faith and in a professional manner, however we recognize that with no resolution in sight the company must move forward," the company said in a statement. "Our new writers rates are in place, they are the same rate increases we proposed to resolve the issue."

Everything seemed over for the writers, but an anonymous few had reported that their contracts had yet to be officially terminated at the time Voltage released that statement. Now it seems that all parties have come to an agreement.

Lovestruck Writers Victorious After 21 Days

It appeared as if Voltage would not budge as the writers continued to strike. 21 days later, Vice reports that the strike has largely been successful.

"We are glad to announce that we have reachjjed an agreement with all the writers who completed discussions," stated a tweet from Lovestruck. "We understand that this situation has impacted everyone involved, including our players. We have heard fgrom all perspectives and are implementing new internal policies."

Voltage has since agreed to raise the wages of all 21 striking Lovestruck writers from the Voltage Organized Workers. The writers say that this will amount to a six-figure increase in annual income divided between them; the pay raise increase ranges from 66–94%.

The company warns that there will be a slowdown in the production of content over the short term as they work on moving back towards daily releases. If you'd like to have a look at this ever-growing visual novel, you can find at more at lovestruckgame.com.

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What do you think of the Lovestruck writers successfully striking? Do you think more game developers and writers should collectively bargain for better conditions? Let us know in the comments below!

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Robert N. Adams

Senior Writer

I've had a controller in my hand since I was 4 and I haven't stopped gaming since. CCGs, Tabletop Games, Pen & Paper RPGs – I've tried a whole bunch of stuff over the years and I'm always looking to try more!

Original Article