unionization Archives

AppWizard

January 2, 2026

The most important PC gaming news stories in 2026

In 2026, the gaming industry is experiencing a push for unionization among developers, highlighted by a legal dispute involving Rockstar Games and former developers of GTA 6. The proposed billion-dollar acquisition of Electronic Arts (EA) could reshape North American gaming, potentially leading to significant cuts and debt for EA. A healthier dialogue about the portrayal of sex in gaming is emerging amid a crackdown on adult-themed games. Microsoft faces job cuts and project cancellations while announcing record profits, raising ethical concerns about its partnerships and creative stagnation. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine presents challenges for developers, influencing future game narratives. Additionally, the generative AI boom is disrupting RAM availability and pricing, potentially increasing costs for gaming hardware.

AppWizard

October 16, 2025

Blizzard’s platform and tech team unionises

Over 400 employees from the platform and tech teams at Blizzard have voted to form a bargaining unit, marking a significant move towards collective representation. This new union has received recognition from Microsoft, which aligns with its labor neutrality agreement with the Communication Workers of America (CWA), who will represent the Blizzard employees. Members of the organizing committee expressed optimism about increased union representation improving workplace standards. Additionally, over 450 staff members involved in the Diablo franchise have also voted to unionize, indicating a growing trend of unionization at Blizzard.

AppWizard

September 1, 2025

Over 450 Blizzard staff vote to unionise

Over 450 employees dedicated to the Diablo franchise at Blizzard have voted to unionize, forming a bargaining unit that includes developers, artists, engineers, and support staff. The union was announced by the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

Blizzard story and franchise staff form new union

Blizzard's Story and Franchise Development team has voted to establish a new union in collaboration with the Communications Workers of America, recognized by Microsoft, resulting in approximately 3,000 Xbox employees becoming part of a unionized workforce. The union aims to preserve company culture, ensure transparency in decision-making, and apply policies equitably. This effort follows successful contract negotiations by staff at Raven Software and ZeniMax with Microsoft, indicating a trend towards collective bargaining in the gaming industry.

AppWizard

May 12, 2025

Almost 200 Overwatch staff unionise

Nearly 200 developers from the Overwatch series have formed a union called The Overwatch Gamemakers Guild-CWA, announced by the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The union includes members from various departments such as design, production, engineering, art, sound, and quality assurance. The unionization effort was motivated by layoffs in the gaming industry and aims to improve workplace conditions. Members believe collective action will help address long-standing issues like layoffs, excessive crunch periods, and inadequate working conditions in the gaming sector.

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.

AppWizard

December 13, 2024

ZeniMax Online Studios staff have formed a union

Employees at ZeniMax Online Studios have formed a union with the support of the Communication Workers of America, uniting 461 employees from various states including California, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. The union includes web developers, designers, engineers, and graphic artists. Union members aim to improve working conditions, provide protections against layoffs and exploitation, and enhance support mechanisms beyond existing policies like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

AppWizard

November 25, 2024

2K mocap studio votes for unionisation

Staff at 2K Games' motion-capture studio in California voted to unionize, with 15 employees in favor and six opposed, during an election monitored by the National Labor Relations Board on November 22nd. The unionization effort was supported by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). Matthew Peterson, a mocap animator, expressed hope that this milestone would inspire other workers in the industry to organize. IATSE International President Matthew Loeb emphasized the broader implications of this victory for labor relations in the video game industry. The unionization campaign began in October.

AppWizard

October 24, 2024

2K’s California mocap studio files to unionise

Staff at 2K Games' motion capture studio in California have initiated steps to unionize, with 21 employees formally requesting voluntary recognition as a bargaining unit from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). However, parent company Take-Two has declined to recognize the union, leading the employees to file with the federal government for acknowledgment. IATSE's international VP, Michael Miller, emphasized the essential role these workers play in creating video games and expressed support for their unionization efforts. The employees and IATSE are preparing for an upcoming election and hope to engage in negotiations with Take-Two Interactive.

AppWizard

June 28, 2024

Bethesda Montreal files for unionisation

Bethesda Game Studios Montreal has applied to form a union with the Quebec Labour Board. The new bargaining unit, known as One BGS MTL, aims to create a supportive workplace that nurtures creativity and talent in order to develop top-tier video games. If successful, this would make Bethesda Game Studios Montreal the second ZeniMax studio to unionize.