Team17 CEO says ‘action will be taken’ after negative report

Last week, Eurogamer mentioned over issues at the heart of veteran British game publisher Team17, which has recently been trying to deal with the downfall of Canceled NFT Project. The report, which includes interviews with several Team17 employees, revealed poor pay and accusations of sexual harassment, as well as highlighting the questionable management of group CEO Debbie Bestwick.

It has now been reported that Team17 CEO Michael Pattison held a company-wide “virtual meeting” with employees last Friday that lasted about 20 minutes. Details of what was discussed in this meeting have been sent to our friends at EurogamerAnd former PlayStation guy Pattison appears to be focused on fixing things:

I am committed to taking action, and I will not ignore anything that has been said or any of the points that are made. All of this will be thoroughly investigated, you have my guarantee on that.

Pattison also added that a “comprehensive review of how to build a company that better supports its employees” would be conducted, and Team 17 “had to take a long, hard look at itself and what it wants its culture to be, and how it will build for and protect it.” Pay levels have also been promised a review, and how the company will handle bonuses will also be reviewed, after complaints it was cut last year even though Team17 turned in bumper profits.

The large volume of titles published by the company was also addressed:

We are struggling. As we progress, there will always be an increasing need to sign more potential titles – or refocus and sign on to higher quality titles with greater commercial potential. This is my focus. I’m trying to improve this ratio, I don’t want to see us on a continuous treadmill of just filling up the tube.

On the topic of sexual harassment, Bateson claimed that the studio had a zero-tolerance policy, but was open to the fact that improvements were needed. “We need to create a safe space where people can bring things to our attention,” he said.

Interestingly, Bateson touched only briefly on the topic of NFTs, which arguably was the catalyst for the original Eurogamer report. However, he said the abused MetaWorms project was “completely outside the principles and values ​​we have as a company,” which makes you wonder how it got so far without being challenged.

Bateson also neglected to discuss the management of Team17 owner and group CEO Debbie Bestwick.