The platform and tech teams at Blizzard have made a significant move towards collective representation, as reported by Game Developer. In a decisive vote, over 400 employees from these departments have chosen to form a bargaining unit, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s labor landscape.
Union Recognition and Support
This newly formed union has received recognition from Microsoft, in alignment with its labor neutrality agreement with the Communication Workers of America (CWA). The CWA will represent the interests of the Blizzard employees, providing a structured framework for negotiation and advocacy.
Members of the organizing committee, including Daniel Weltz, Alex Kohn, and Timothy Biley, expressed their optimism about the impact of increased union representation. They stated, “Having more unions increase workplace standards across the board.” This sentiment underscores a growing awareness within the industry that competitive workplaces must adapt to meet the evolving expectations of their workforce.
The committee members further highlighted a prevailing issue in the gaming sector, noting that “the industry itself also tends to view the people who make video games as disposable.” Their hope is that the establishment of more unions will help reshape this perception, fostering a culture where the contributions of game developers are valued and respected.
This development follows a recent wave of unionization efforts at Blizzard, where over 450 staff members involved in the Diablo franchise also voted to unionize, alongside employees from the company’s story and franchise teams. The momentum for collective bargaining appears to be gaining traction, signaling a transformative period for Blizzard and potentially the broader gaming industry.
