WerkPlant
@werkplant.bsky.social
Promoting sustainable independence in the creative industry
A new episode of the WerkPlant podcast just went live! In this one, @wisproy.bsky.social and @jonivanderleeuw.substack.com talk about risk/reward structures at their respective companies ( @wispfire.com and @roostgames.bsky.social )
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e15-roy...
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e15-roy...
S03E15 - Roy & Joni on Risk/Reward
In the third season of the WerkPlant podcast host Roy van der Schilden and producer Joni van der Leeuw take a more casual approach and talk amongst themselves about what’s on their mind, current event...
werkplant.substack.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:30 PM
A new episode of the WerkPlant podcast just went live! In this one, @wisproy.bsky.social and @jonivanderleeuw.substack.com talk about risk/reward structures at their respective companies ( @wispfire.com and @roostgames.bsky.social )
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e15-roy...
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e15-roy...
Almost time for the weekend, so right about time for the WerkPlant Weekly!
- @bandcamp.com Friday!
- @distrokid.com is looking to sell off its platform for self-distributing music
- And some behind-the-scenes podcast updates
werkplant.substack.com/p/copy-werkp...
- @bandcamp.com Friday!
- @distrokid.com is looking to sell off its platform for self-distributing music
- And some behind-the-scenes podcast updates
werkplant.substack.com/p/copy-werkp...
WerkPlant Weekly - Week 06
In this newsletter, WerkPlant provides a weekly update on independence in the creative industry—both global developments and news from our organization and community.
werkplant.substack.com
February 6, 2026 at 3:52 PM
Almost time for the weekend, so right about time for the WerkPlant Weekly!
- @bandcamp.com Friday!
- @distrokid.com is looking to sell off its platform for self-distributing music
- And some behind-the-scenes podcast updates
werkplant.substack.com/p/copy-werkp...
- @bandcamp.com Friday!
- @distrokid.com is looking to sell off its platform for self-distributing music
- And some behind-the-scenes podcast updates
werkplant.substack.com/p/copy-werkp...
WerkPlant Weekly 05!
- Universal buys Stationhead, platform for independent artist to connect with superfans
- Valve faces UK class action lawsuit for monopoly position
- And @markdeuze.bsky.social joins the board of the WerkPlant foundation!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
- Universal buys Stationhead, platform for independent artist to connect with superfans
- Valve faces UK class action lawsuit for monopoly position
- And @markdeuze.bsky.social joins the board of the WerkPlant foundation!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
WerkPlant Weekly - Week 05
In this newsletter, WerkPlant provides a weekly update on independence in the creative industry—both global developments and news from our organization and community.
werkplant.substack.com
January 30, 2026 at 4:16 PM
WerkPlant Weekly 05!
- Universal buys Stationhead, platform for independent artist to connect with superfans
- Valve faces UK class action lawsuit for monopoly position
- And @markdeuze.bsky.social joins the board of the WerkPlant foundation!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
- Universal buys Stationhead, platform for independent artist to connect with superfans
- Valve faces UK class action lawsuit for monopoly position
- And @markdeuze.bsky.social joins the board of the WerkPlant foundation!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
A new episode of the WerkPlant podcast just went live! This time @wisproy.bsky.social and @jonivanderleeuw.substack.com talk about their values, both personally and within their studios @roostgames.bsky.social and @wispfire.com
Check it out!
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e14-roy...
Check it out!
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e14-roy...
S03E14 - Roy & Joni on Values
In the third season of the WerkPlant podcast host Roy van der Schilden and producer Joni van der Leeuw take a more casual approach and talk amongst themselves about what’s on their mind, current event...
werkplant.substack.com
January 28, 2026 at 9:57 AM
A new episode of the WerkPlant podcast just went live! This time @wisproy.bsky.social and @jonivanderleeuw.substack.com talk about their values, both personally and within their studios @roostgames.bsky.social and @wispfire.com
Check it out!
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e14-roy...
Check it out!
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e14-roy...
Week 04! With this week:
- The launch of independend music financing platform Pipeline
- The importance of discoverability for indie games
- Grassroot music venues operating on increasingly tight margins
Check it out!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
- The launch of independend music financing platform Pipeline
- The importance of discoverability for indie games
- Grassroot music venues operating on increasingly tight margins
Check it out!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
WerkPlant Weekly - Week 04
In this newsletter, WerkPlant provides a weekly update on independence in the creative industry—both global developments and news from our organization and community.
werkplant.substack.com
January 23, 2026 at 1:39 PM
Week 04! With this week:
- The launch of independend music financing platform Pipeline
- The importance of discoverability for indie games
- Grassroot music venues operating on increasingly tight margins
Check it out!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
- The launch of independend music financing platform Pipeline
- The importance of discoverability for indie games
- Grassroot music venues operating on increasingly tight margins
Check it out!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
Another week, another WerkPlant Weekly. With this time:
- US federal court rules that songwriters can reclaim their copyrights
- The Artists Corporation posts their annual letter
- And a new episode of the WerkPlant podcast!
open.substack.com/pub/werkplan...
- US federal court rules that songwriters can reclaim their copyrights
- The Artists Corporation posts their annual letter
- And a new episode of the WerkPlant podcast!
open.substack.com/pub/werkplan...
WerkPlant Weekly - Week 03
In this newsletter, WerkPlant provides a weekly update on independence in the creative industry—both global developments and news from our organization and community.
open.substack.com
January 16, 2026 at 2:12 PM
Another week, another WerkPlant Weekly. With this time:
- US federal court rules that songwriters can reclaim their copyrights
- The Artists Corporation posts their annual letter
- And a new episode of the WerkPlant podcast!
open.substack.com/pub/werkplan...
- US federal court rules that songwriters can reclaim their copyrights
- The Artists Corporation posts their annual letter
- And a new episode of the WerkPlant podcast!
open.substack.com/pub/werkplan...
A new episode of the WerkPlant podcast! In which @wisproy.bsky.social and @jonivanderleeuw.substack.com talk about decision making and how that process is organized in their studios ( @wispfire.com and @roostgames.bsky.social, respectively) - check it out!
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e13-roy...
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e13-roy...
S03E13 - Roy & Joni on Decision Making
In the third season of the WerkPlant podcast host Roy van der Schilden and producer Joni van der Leeuw take a more casual approach and talk amongst themselves about what’s on their mind, current event...
werkplant.substack.com
January 14, 2026 at 1:13 PM
A new episode of the WerkPlant podcast! In which @wisproy.bsky.social and @jonivanderleeuw.substack.com talk about decision making and how that process is organized in their studios ( @wispfire.com and @roostgames.bsky.social, respectively) - check it out!
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e13-roy...
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e13-roy...
The first WerkPlant Weekly of 2026!
With this week:
- Phasmophobia developer launching indie publishing initiative
- @moreperfectunion.bsky.social producing insightful videos on sustainable independence (not just in the creative industry)
open.substack.com/pub/werkplan...
With this week:
- Phasmophobia developer launching indie publishing initiative
- @moreperfectunion.bsky.social producing insightful videos on sustainable independence (not just in the creative industry)
open.substack.com/pub/werkplan...
WerkPlant Weekly - Week 02
In this newsletter, WerkPlant provides a weekly update on independence in the creative industry—both global developments and news from our organization and community.
open.substack.com
January 9, 2026 at 2:17 PM
The first WerkPlant Weekly of 2026!
With this week:
- Phasmophobia developer launching indie publishing initiative
- @moreperfectunion.bsky.social producing insightful videos on sustainable independence (not just in the creative industry)
open.substack.com/pub/werkplan...
With this week:
- Phasmophobia developer launching indie publishing initiative
- @moreperfectunion.bsky.social producing insightful videos on sustainable independence (not just in the creative industry)
open.substack.com/pub/werkplan...
In this special end-of-year-episode @wisproy.bsky.social and @jonivanderleeuw.substack.com look back on how far we've come with WerkPlant in 2025 and what our plans, hopes and dreams are for the foundation in 2026!
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e12-roy...
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e12-roy...
S03E12 - Roy & Joni on 2025 (and 2026)
In the third season of the WerkPlant podcast host Roy van der Schilden and producer Joni van der Leeuw take a more casual approach and talk amongst themselves about what’s on their mind, current event...
werkplant.substack.com
December 31, 2025 at 1:04 PM
In this special end-of-year-episode @wisproy.bsky.social and @jonivanderleeuw.substack.com look back on how far we've come with WerkPlant in 2025 and what our plans, hopes and dreams are for the foundation in 2026!
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e12-roy...
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e12-roy...
The last WerkPlant Weekly of 2025!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
Enjoy the winter break (if you have one)!
And see you all in the new year!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
Enjoy the winter break (if you have one)!
And see you all in the new year!
WerkPlant Weekly - Week 51
In this newsletter, WerkPlant provides a weekly update on independence in the creative industry—both global developments and news from our organization and community.
werkplant.substack.com
December 19, 2025 at 2:00 PM
The last WerkPlant Weekly of 2025!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
Enjoy the winter break (if you have one)!
And see you all in the new year!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
Enjoy the winter break (if you have one)!
And see you all in the new year!
New episode of the WerkPlant podcast in which @wisproy.bsky.social and I talk about how we define success... and we wonder how everyone else goes about it!
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e11-roy...
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e11-roy...
S03E11 - Roy & Joni on Defining Success
In the third season of the WerkPlant podcast host Roy van der Schilden and producer Joni van der Leeuw take a more casual approach and talk amongst themselves about what’s on their mind, current event...
werkplant.substack.com
December 18, 2025 at 9:04 AM
New episode of the WerkPlant podcast in which @wisproy.bsky.social and I talk about how we define success... and we wonder how everyone else goes about it!
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e11-roy...
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e11-roy...
Reposted by WerkPlant
Any games schools wanna find out more about setting their students up for entering the games industry in other ways that just applying for jobs, but instead forming collectives and other forms of businesses: talk to us
WerkPlant Weekly Week 50!
- Claire Obscure wins 9 Game Awards!
- Video Games unions unite in Europe
- ... and WerkPlant makes serious steps towards reaching students before they enter the creative industry
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
- Claire Obscure wins 9 Game Awards!
- Video Games unions unite in Europe
- ... and WerkPlant makes serious steps towards reaching students before they enter the creative industry
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
WerkPlant Weekly - Week 50
In this newsletter, WerkPlant provides a weekly update on independence in the creative industry—both global developments and news from our organization and community.
werkplant.substack.com
December 12, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Any games schools wanna find out more about setting their students up for entering the games industry in other ways that just applying for jobs, but instead forming collectives and other forms of businesses: talk to us
WerkPlant Weekly Week 50!
- Claire Obscure wins 9 Game Awards!
- Video Games unions unite in Europe
- ... and WerkPlant makes serious steps towards reaching students before they enter the creative industry
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
- Claire Obscure wins 9 Game Awards!
- Video Games unions unite in Europe
- ... and WerkPlant makes serious steps towards reaching students before they enter the creative industry
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
WerkPlant Weekly - Week 50
In this newsletter, WerkPlant provides a weekly update on independence in the creative industry—both global developments and news from our organization and community.
werkplant.substack.com
December 12, 2025 at 3:19 PM
WerkPlant Weekly Week 50!
- Claire Obscure wins 9 Game Awards!
- Video Games unions unite in Europe
- ... and WerkPlant makes serious steps towards reaching students before they enter the creative industry
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
- Claire Obscure wins 9 Game Awards!
- Video Games unions unite in Europe
- ... and WerkPlant makes serious steps towards reaching students before they enter the creative industry
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
Time for Week 49!
- AI act removed from Spotify after allegations of impersonation
- @gibiz.bsky.social reports on the state of the industry
- Bandcamp Friday
- ... and WerkPlant attended the Dutch Games week!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
- AI act removed from Spotify after allegations of impersonation
- @gibiz.bsky.social reports on the state of the industry
- Bandcamp Friday
- ... and WerkPlant attended the Dutch Games week!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
WerkPlant Weekly - Week 49
In this newsletter, WerkPlant provides a weekly update on independence in the creative industry—both global developments and news from our organization and community.
werkplant.substack.com
December 5, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Time for Week 49!
- AI act removed from Spotify after allegations of impersonation
- @gibiz.bsky.social reports on the state of the industry
- Bandcamp Friday
- ... and WerkPlant attended the Dutch Games week!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
- AI act removed from Spotify after allegations of impersonation
- @gibiz.bsky.social reports on the state of the industry
- Bandcamp Friday
- ... and WerkPlant attended the Dutch Games week!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
Time for the WerkPlant Weekly of Week 48!
This week
- The EU objects to the acquisition of Downtown by Universal
- WerkPlant supported research into mental health in the games industry funded by Dutch Stimuleringsfonds
- ... and more!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
This week
- The EU objects to the acquisition of Downtown by Universal
- WerkPlant supported research into mental health in the games industry funded by Dutch Stimuleringsfonds
- ... and more!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
WerkPlant Weekly - Week 48
In this newsletter, WerkPlant provides a weekly update on independence in the creative industry—both global developments and news from our organization and community.
werkplant.substack.com
November 28, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Time for the WerkPlant Weekly of Week 48!
This week
- The EU objects to the acquisition of Downtown by Universal
- WerkPlant supported research into mental health in the games industry funded by Dutch Stimuleringsfonds
- ... and more!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
This week
- The EU objects to the acquisition of Downtown by Universal
- WerkPlant supported research into mental health in the games industry funded by Dutch Stimuleringsfonds
- ... and more!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
A new episode of the WerkPlant Podcast just aired in which @wisproy.bsky.social and @jonivanderleeuw.substack.com talk about internships and other ways of getting started in the industry. Check it out!
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e10-roy...
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e10-roy...
S03E10 - Roy & Joni on Internships & Getting Started
In the third season of the WerkPlant podcast host Roy van der Schilden and producer Joni van der Leeuw take a more casual approach and talk amongst themselves about what’s on their mind, current event...
werkplant.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:30 PM
A new episode of the WerkPlant Podcast just aired in which @wisproy.bsky.social and @jonivanderleeuw.substack.com talk about internships and other ways of getting started in the industry. Check it out!
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e10-roy...
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e10-roy...
Time for another WerkPlant Weekly!
With this week:
- Think piece by Patreon CEO @jackconte.bsky.social on a human-centered algorithm.
- Subvert as an artist-owned alternative for music streaming.
- An intro talk to @markdeuze.bsky.social's book
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
With this week:
- Think piece by Patreon CEO @jackconte.bsky.social on a human-centered algorithm.
- Subvert as an artist-owned alternative for music streaming.
- An intro talk to @markdeuze.bsky.social's book
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
WerkPlant Weekly - Week 47
In this newsletter, WerkPlant provides a weekly update on independence in the creative industry—both global developments and news from our organization and community.
werkplant.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Time for another WerkPlant Weekly!
With this week:
- Think piece by Patreon CEO @jackconte.bsky.social on a human-centered algorithm.
- Subvert as an artist-owned alternative for music streaming.
- An intro talk to @markdeuze.bsky.social's book
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
With this week:
- Think piece by Patreon CEO @jackconte.bsky.social on a human-centered algorithm.
- Subvert as an artist-owned alternative for music streaming.
- An intro talk to @markdeuze.bsky.social's book
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
Week 46 already!
This week's headlines:
- the Shorenstein Center released their US independent film audience landscape study
- German copyright organization GEMA won a major case against OpenAI.
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
This week's headlines:
- the Shorenstein Center released their US independent film audience landscape study
- German copyright organization GEMA won a major case against OpenAI.
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
WerkPlant Weekly - Week 46
In this newsletter, WerkPlant provides a weekly update on independence in the creative industry—both global developments and news from our organization and community.
werkplant.substack.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Week 46 already!
This week's headlines:
- the Shorenstein Center released their US independent film audience landscape study
- German copyright organization GEMA won a major case against OpenAI.
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
This week's headlines:
- the Shorenstein Center released their US independent film audience landscape study
- German copyright organization GEMA won a major case against OpenAI.
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
WerkPlant Weekly for Week 45!
- CM50 announces "A Contract for a New Global Economy"
- Danish music rights organization Koda accuses Suno of stealing its members' music to train their AI model
- ... and a new WerkPlant podcast!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
- CM50 announces "A Contract for a New Global Economy"
- Danish music rights organization Koda accuses Suno of stealing its members' music to train their AI model
- ... and a new WerkPlant podcast!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
WerkPlant Weekly - Week 45
In this newsletter, WerkPlant provides a weekly update on independence in the creative industry—both global developments and news from our organization and community.
werkplant.substack.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:56 PM
WerkPlant Weekly for Week 45!
- CM50 announces "A Contract for a New Global Economy"
- Danish music rights organization Koda accuses Suno of stealing its members' music to train their AI model
- ... and a new WerkPlant podcast!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
- CM50 announces "A Contract for a New Global Economy"
- Danish music rights organization Koda accuses Suno of stealing its members' music to train their AI model
- ... and a new WerkPlant podcast!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
In the new WerkPlant Podcast episode @jonivanderleeuw.substack.com and @wisproy.bsky.social talk about how they balance business and pleasure in their lives as professionals in the creative industry.
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e09-roy...
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e09-roy...
S03E09 - Roy & Joni on Business & Pleasure
In the third season of the WerkPlant podcast host Roy van der Schilden and producer Joni van der Leeuw take a more casual approach and talk amongst themselves about what’s on their mind, current event...
werkplant.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:50 AM
In the new WerkPlant Podcast episode @jonivanderleeuw.substack.com and @wisproy.bsky.social talk about how they balance business and pleasure in their lives as professionals in the creative industry.
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e09-roy...
werkplant.substack.com/p/s03e09-roy...
Reposted by WerkPlant
It not being very rock n roll for sacking dozens of folks for unionizing aside, imagine being on the project that no doubt is at a critical state and dozens of your colleagues suddenly are ejected from production.
That's going to hurt.
That's going to hurt.
BREAKING: Yesterday Grand Theft Auto VI maker Rockstar Games fired dozens of people, all of whom were involved in union efforts. A British union calls it "blatant and ruthless" union-busting. Take-Two Interactive says it was due to misconduct.
Here's the scoop: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Here's the scoop: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
‘Grand Theft Auto’ Studio Accused of Union Busting After Firings
Union says 30 and 40 people were terminated. Rockstar Games’ parent company cites ‘gross misconduct’
www.bloomberg.com
November 1, 2025 at 11:39 AM
It not being very rock n roll for sacking dozens of folks for unionizing aside, imagine being on the project that no doubt is at a critical state and dozens of your colleagues suddenly are ejected from production.
That's going to hurt.
That's going to hurt.
Week 44 - with some scary news from the music industry, but also some hopefull stuff!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
WerkPlant Weekly - Week 44
In this newsletter, WerkPlant provides a weekly update on independence in the creative industry—both global developments and news from our organization and community.
werkplant.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Week 44 - with some scary news from the music industry, but also some hopefull stuff!
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
werkplant.substack.com/p/werkplant-...
This week's newsletter has just dropped with a special feature this week for the English version of the talk @jonivanderleeuw.substack.com gave last week during a special program on wellbeing in the creative industry.
Check it out!
open.substack.com/pub/werkplan...
Check it out!
open.substack.com/pub/werkplan...
WerkPlant Weekly - Week 43
In this newsletter, WerkPlant provides a weekly update on independence in the creative industry—both global developments and news from our organization and community.
open.substack.com
October 24, 2025 at 2:08 PM
This week's newsletter has just dropped with a special feature this week for the English version of the talk @jonivanderleeuw.substack.com gave last week during a special program on wellbeing in the creative industry.
Check it out!
open.substack.com/pub/werkplan...
Check it out!
open.substack.com/pub/werkplan...
The WerkPlant Weekly of Week 42 is up! With this week:
- Thoughts on mega merger between Universal and Downtown
- Unionizing within Blizzard
- And the program in Pakhuis de Zwijger last Wednesday on wellbeing in the creative industry (recording in the post)!
open.substack.com/pub/werkplan...
- Thoughts on mega merger between Universal and Downtown
- Unionizing within Blizzard
- And the program in Pakhuis de Zwijger last Wednesday on wellbeing in the creative industry (recording in the post)!
open.substack.com/pub/werkplan...
WerkPlant Weekly - Week 42
In this newsletter, WerkPlant provides a weekly update on independence in the creative industry—both global developments and news from our organization and community.
open.substack.com
October 17, 2025 at 1:58 PM
The WerkPlant Weekly of Week 42 is up! With this week:
- Thoughts on mega merger between Universal and Downtown
- Unionizing within Blizzard
- And the program in Pakhuis de Zwijger last Wednesday on wellbeing in the creative industry (recording in the post)!
open.substack.com/pub/werkplan...
- Thoughts on mega merger between Universal and Downtown
- Unionizing within Blizzard
- And the program in Pakhuis de Zwijger last Wednesday on wellbeing in the creative industry (recording in the post)!
open.substack.com/pub/werkplan...
Reposted by WerkPlant
Last (minute) call for folks in the Amsterdam area. As part of a program on wellbeing in the media and creative industry I’ll be speaking for @werkplant.bsky.social about sustainable independence and why we need it to improve that wellbeing (or lack thereof!)
dezwijger.nl/programma/go...
dezwijger.nl/programma/go...
Special Goed en Gezond Werk in de Media
Een showcase van hoe werk anders en beter kan voor mediamakers.
dezwijger.nl
October 15, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Last (minute) call for folks in the Amsterdam area. As part of a program on wellbeing in the media and creative industry I’ll be speaking for @werkplant.bsky.social about sustainable independence and why we need it to improve that wellbeing (or lack thereof!)
dezwijger.nl/programma/go...
dezwijger.nl/programma/go...