The Rise of Unionization in the Games Industry

Recently, over 500 World Of Warcraft developers have decided to form their own union, in partnership with the Communication Workers of America (CWA). The World Of Warcraft GameMakers Guild is made up of employees from various departments, including designers, engineers, artists, and producers, across offices in California and Massachusetts. This move comes as a response to the desire for collective bargaining rights at the table, as stated by WOW quest designer Kathryn Friesen. The unionization effort is driven by the employees’ passion for one another and the work they do in the game.

The decision to form a union was influenced by the response of the company to being sued by the State of California in 2021. According to senior quest designer Paul Cox, the initial corporate responses did not align with the values that the company claimed to uphold. This lack of alignment prompted walkouts and eventually led to successful unionization efforts. The employees felt empowered to stand together and fight for their rights in the face of adversity.

The establishment of unions in the games industry is crucial, especially considering the high rate of layoffs and closures that have affected many employees. In the past year alone, an estimated 10,000 individuals lost their jobs due to industry-related factors. As of the first half of 2024, this number has already reached around 10,800. The unionization efforts serve as a beacon of hope for workers in the industry, providing them with support and protection in the face of uncertainty.

With the formation of unions in companies like Microsoft and Activision Blizzard, there is hope for a more equitable and sustainable future for employees in the games industry. The momentum gained from these efforts must be sustained to ensure that workers are treated fairly and have a voice in the decisions that affect their livelihoods. As the landscape of the industry continues to evolve, the power of collective action becomes increasingly important in advocating for workers’ rights and well-being.