union Archives

AppWizard

April 6, 2025

Pentagon inspector general investigating Hegseth’s use of Signal messaging app

DoD's acting Inspector General, Steven Stebbins, is reviewing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's use of the Signal app for operational airstrike discussions in Yemen to evaluate compliance with policies on commercial messaging for official communications and classification mandates. Concurrently, House Oversight Committee Democrats are investigating the Department of Government Efficiency's data usage, while OPM is directing agencies to revise performance review processes to prioritize adherence to presidential policies. The Defense Department has mandated public reporting of canceled contracts linked to Trump's efficiency initiatives. The SSA is tightening identity-proofing requirements for benefit applications, discontinuing phone verification options. During a nomination hearing, Trump’s nominees for OPM and OMB faced questions regarding federal workforce reductions. The Army has abandoned plans for a billion-dollar software development contract after feedback on draft RFPs. Employees at the IMLS have been placed on administrative leave amid concerns over the agency's future and grant disbursement obligations following Trump's executive order aimed at eliminating smaller entities.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

ZeniMax union votes to strike

Members of the ZeniMax Workers United union have voted 94 percent in favor of authorizing strike action in ongoing negotiations with Microsoft. The union, established in January 2023, is advocating for fair wages and improved working conditions amid concerns about underpayment and rising living costs. Union members express a commitment to using their collective power to secure a first contract with Microsoft.

BetaBeacon

April 3, 2025

Epic’s latest free Android game will have you defending your magical kingdom

The game Doodle Kingdom: Medieval is now available for free on the Epic Games Store mobile app.

TrendTechie

April 1, 2025

«Пиратская бухта» локализуется в России

A working group has been formed under the Ministry of Digital Development to localize The Pirate Bay on the "GosTech" platform, involving government, industry, and copyright representatives. A vice-premier will lead the group, addressing challenges faced by Russian citizens since 2022 regarding access to foreign entertainment. The "Gosbukhata" initiative aims to provide access to international and domestic films, with local companies and channels willing to upload content. Filmmakers have concerns about user fees, and a draft of a new Presidential Decree outlines the process for acquiring rights from copyright holders in unfriendly countries. Users of torrent software will need to register with Roskomnadzor and pay an annual fee of 500 to 1000 rubles for access, with fee distribution managed by the All-Russian Copyright Holders Union. Additionally, VK plans to launch a domestic peer-to-peer multimedia content exchange platform named "RuMul" by 2025, currently in the sigma-testing phase.

AppWizard

March 30, 2025

SAG-AFTRA makes exception for student devs and game jams in 8-month videogame performance strike: ‘I’m thrilled that these types of projects can now be accommodated’

SAG-AFTRA has introduced new waivers, the Student Interactive Waiver Agreement and the Game Jam Waiver Agreement, allowing union actors to participate in student projects and game jams during its ongoing strike. The waivers aim to support both actors and emerging game developers while adhering to strike protocols. SAG-AFTRA has been on strike for eight months, primarily due to concerns over artificial intelligence and its impact on video game actors' careers. The strike has led to game studios recycling old voiceover clips, affecting new project developments.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

Activision user research workers form union

Activision's user research division staff voted to form a union, named the Activision User Research Union-CWA, with a supermajority in favor of unionization. Microsoft has recognized the union as part of its labor neutrality agreement with the Communication Workers of America (CWA). The motivation for unionization was influenced by anticipated layoffs in 2023 and 2024. CWA Local 9400 president Maurice Washington emphasized the need for a protected voice for workers and expressed pride in welcoming the new members into the CWA. This development follows the establishment of the United Videogame Workers-CWA, reflecting a trend of unionization in the gaming industry.

Tech Optimizer

March 26, 2025

Video: Why didn’t CCI see Microsoft Defender as anti competitive?

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) ruled that Microsoft's integration of its antivirus software, Microsoft Defender, with the Windows operating system does not pose a significant threat to market competition. A complaint claimed that this practice gave Microsoft an unfair advantage and hindered third-party antivirus developers. Microsoft defended its actions as standard industry practice, stating that users can still choose to install alternative antivirus solutions.

AppWizard

March 24, 2025

Xbox: New UI To Integrate Steam Games For PC Players

Microsoft hinted at a new Xbox user interface that may integrate Steam games, which could impact both PC and console gaming. An image showcasing this UI was leaked, featuring the Steam label and displaying the interface on various devices, including tablets. Microsoft removed the image, indicating it was not meant for public viewing. Sources confirmed that Microsoft is working on an update for the Xbox app to include all games installed on a PC, including those from Steam and Epic Games. There is currently no timeline for the release of this integration, but Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, mentioned the potential for Epic Games and Itch.io to join the Xbox ecosystem in the future.

BetaBeacon

March 21, 2025

Epic Games Store now offers free Android games every week: Here’s how to claim free title

Players can expect new free games every week from the Epic Games Store on mobile, with the first titles being Super Meat Boy Forever and Eastern Exorcist available for free until March 27.

AppWizard

March 20, 2025

United Videogame Workers union launches with CWA backing

United Videogame Workers has been launched as a new initiative for professionals in the gaming industry, backed by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the American Federation of Musicians (AFM). The union aims to empower marginalized workers, including laid-off employees, contractors, and freelancers. Its mission is to reclaim the contributions of the workforce from higher-ups. Tom Smith, CWA’s senior director of organizing, emphasized that the union's creation is a collective effort by video game workers. CWA president Claude Cummings Jr. noted the significance of the union in helping video game workers build power amid troubling trends of consolidation in the industry, which have led to layoffs and the sidelining of creative workers.