It seems that Konami is still at something similar: unwanted software developers are assigned to blue-collar jobs. <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.giantbomb.com&#x2F;articles&#x2F;report-reveals-restrictive-and-hostile-working-con&#x2F;1100-5251&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.giantbomb.com&#x2F;articles&#x2F;report-reveals-restrictive...</a> The Giant Bomb article describes it as a punishment, but I assume that the main intention is to have the programmer take the hint and file his resignation.