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In a landmark move for the gaming industry, nearly 200 developers from Activision Blizzard’s Overwatch team have joined forces to create the Overwatch Gamemakers Guild under the Communications Workers of America (CWA). This union represents a broad coalition of professionals, including designers, engineers, and quality assurance testers, all united with a common goal: to champion better working conditions and advocate for their rights within the industry.
The formation of a new union
The announcement of the Overwatch Gamemakers Guild follows a significant validation from a neutral arbitrator, who confirmed that an overwhelming majority of employees had either signed authorization cards or expressed support for the union through online platforms. This development is not just a win for the Overwatch team; it signals a growing trend of unionization efforts within the gaming sector, aimed at addressing longstanding issues such as layoffs and poor working conditions.
Foster Elmendorf, a senior test analyst and member of the organizing committee, expressed the excitement felt by many: “After a long history of layoffs, crunch, and subpar working conditions in the global videogame industry, my coworkers and I are thrilled to be joining the broader union effort to organize our industry for the better, which has been long overdue.” This sentiment reflects a collective desire among workers to improve their work environment and, by extension, the quality of the games they produce.
Microsoft’s role in unionization
Interestingly, Microsoft has had a hand in shaping this unionization landscape. The CWA has noted that Microsoft has recognized the newly formed union, demonstrating a shift in corporate attitudes towards labor organization. In previous years, Microsoft has been credited for fostering a more union-friendly environment. For instance, in 2022, the CWA highlighted a significant labor neutrality agreement with the company, which facilitated unionization efforts at Activision Blizzard before it became part of Microsoft.
In 2023, Microsoft took a further step by running a pro-union advertisement in the Washington Post, signaling its support for unionization in the tech and gaming sectors. Samuel Cooper, a senior producer for World of Warcraft, acknowledged Microsoft’s efforts in helping facilitate unionization among developers, marking a notable moment in the ongoing evolution of labor relations within the gaming industry.
Industry-wide implications
The push for unionization is not limited to Activision Blizzard. In March, the CWA announced the formation of United Videogame Workers—a direct-join organization aimed at uniting developers across North America, regardless of their workplace’s union status. This initiative creates a more inclusive environment for workers seeking support and representation in their respective companies.
Many of the motivations behind these unionization efforts stem from the harsh realities of recent layoffs, particularly during 2023 and 2024, when thousands of industry professionals lost their jobs. Simon Hedrick, a Blizzard test analyst, shared his thoughts on the layoffs: “The biggest issue was the layoffs at the beginning of 2024,” referring to Microsoft’s decision to cut 1,900 jobs at Activision Blizzard and Xbox. His perspective highlights the urgent need for protections that unions can provide.
Voices of the union
Sadie Boyd, an Overwatch UI artist who previously worked with Arkane Austin before its closure, shared her sentiments on social media, emphasizing the importance of protecting her colleagues. “Not only do I get to work alongside an incredibly talented team, but also with some of the most thoughtful and kindhearted people I’ve ever encountered. It’s because of their nature that we unionize—to protect them,” she stated, capturing the essence of the union’s mission.
As these movements gain momentum, it’s important to recognize that the unionization efforts are not without challenges. In April 2025, members of the ZeniMax Workers United-CWA union voted overwhelmingly to authorize their leadership to call for a strike if ongoing contract negotiations fail to yield satisfactory results. This situation underscores the evolving landscape of labor relations in the gaming industry and the need for continuous dialogue between workers and management.
Collective action for better workplaces
Despite these hurdles, the CWA reports that over 2,600 employees at Microsoft studios have joined CWA-affiliated unions since the labor neutrality agreement was established. This collective action empowers workers to push for essential workplace improvements, including better layoff protections, job security, wage increases, and enhanced remote work policies.
The growing trend of unionization in the gaming industry signifies a vital shift towards prioritizing worker rights and well-being. As developers come together to advocate for better conditions, it’s clear that the landscape of gaming is changing, with a focus on creating not only great games but also a sustainable and equitable work environment.