Communications Workers of America
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Blizzard must now 'discuss, evaluate, and bargain' its AI usage with its developers
Blizzard Entertainment's union, in partnership with the Communications Workers of America, has secured a new contract that requires the company to discuss and bargain over the implementation of generative AI in the workplace. This landmark agreement, impacting around 1900 workers, also includes wage increases, job protections, and enhanced severance for layoffs, offering a significant victory for labor rights in the gaming industry.
Unionised Blizzard workers vote through contract giving them a say on genAI adoption and protection against layoffs
Unionized Blizzard Entertainment workers have ratified a new contract that requires the company to negotiate with them over the use of generative AI tools and provides protections against layoffs. The contract covers approximately 1900 staff and includes provisions for recall rights for laid-off employees and additional severance pay. This development occurs amidst ongoing workforce reductions at Microsoft's gaming division.
Hundreds of union workers rally across North America to protest Xbox layoffs
Hundreds of unionized video game workers rallied across North America to protest recent layoffs at Microsoft's Xbox division. Members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and allies gathered to call out corporate greed and demand fair contracts, citing multiple rounds of job cuts impacting studios like Obsidian, id Software, and ZeniMax Online Studios. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed 3,200 job eliminations, with 1,600 immediate layoffs, leading to legal action from the CWA against Microsoft for alleged mishandling of the cuts.
'One flag for each laid off dev:' Union workers stage unmissable protest for Xbox boss Asha Sharma
Union workers from the Communications Workers of America protested outside Bethesda's office during Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's visit, deploying an inflatable rat and red flags to represent each employee laid off under her leadership. The protest aimed to highlight the human cost of recent mass layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division, which have affected studios like Obsidian, id Software, and ZeniMax Online Studios.
Union slams Microsoft for "unfair labor practice", alleging Xbox "unlawfully" laid off staff
Microsoft's Xbox division is facing accusations of unfair labor practices, including unlawfully laying off staff without proper union notification or discussion. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) has filed complaints alleging refusal to bargain and coercive actions. Meanwhile, Netflix reported a 600% surge in kids' game engagement, driven by its dedicated mobile app, and expressed confidence in scaling its cloud gaming offerings.
"Don't fall for it": Union says Fallout 5 and Elder Scrolls 6 news shouldn't distract you from huge Bethesda layoffs as Xbox CEO praises the series' "remarkable" achievements
The United Videogame Workers-CWA union claims Bethesda's announcements about Fallout 5 and The Elder Scrolls 6 are a deliberate distraction from recent mass layoffs at Bethesda and Obsidian Entertainment. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma praised the franchises' achievements, while unions filed unfair labor practice complaints against Microsoft regarding the layoffs.
Unions file unfair labor complaints accusing Microsoft of ‘unlawful’ firings and ‘coercive’ action at Xbox studios
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union has filed unfair labor practice complaints against Microsoft and Xbox studios, including ZeniMax Online Studios, over recent layoffs. The complaints accuse Microsoft of failing to provide information, modifying contracts, engaging in surveillance, and refusing to bargain with union members. Xbox has stated they are committed to beginning bargaining with the CWA.
Unions accuse Microsoft of having "unlawfully fired people" in unfair labor practice complaints filed over Xbox layoffs
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) and CWA Canada have filed unfair labor practice complaints against Microsoft, alleging unlawful firings and bad-faith bargaining during recent Xbox layoffs. The unions accuse Microsoft of failing to notify or discuss layoffs with them, despite ongoing collective agreement negotiations. An Xbox spokesperson stated the company respects employees' rights and is committed to the bargaining process.
Unions take legal action against Microsoft for allegedly mishandling Xbox layoffs
Labor unions in the United States and Canada have filed unfair labor practice charges against Microsoft and its subsidiaries, including Xbox, ZeniMax Media, id Software, and Bethesda Game Studios. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) and CWA Canada allege that Microsoft failed to provide necessary information and engaged in bad faith bargaining regarding recent layoffs, which impacted studios like Bethesda Game Studios and id Software. Legal actions claim Microsoft made unilateral changes and unlawfully terminated employees without proper discussion with the unions.
United Videogame Workers union announces fund for laid-off employees
The United Videogame Workers union has launched the Game Worker Hardship Fund to assist video game industry employees in the US and Canada impacted by layoffs since 2024. The fund offers financial aid up to $5,000 USD and is supported by union fees. This initiative comes amid recent job cuts at companies like Xbox, Electronic Arts, Bungie, and Behaviour Interactive, highlighting a precarious period for the industry.
As layoffs continue to ravage the games industry, a union across North America establishes a fund to help those impacted by it
The United Videogame Workers union, in partnership with the Communications Workers of America, has launched the Game Worker Hardship Fund to assist industry professionals impacted by layoffs since January 2024. The fund offers up to $5,000 for work and life expenses, with contributions coming from union membership dues and a new itch.io charity bundle. This initiative aims to provide a lifeline to workers affected by recent industry-wide job cuts.
On the unionization frontlines
Two significant unionization victories occurred in the video game industry: Bethesda Game Studios employees formed a union at Microsoft, and the World of Warcraft development staff formed the World of Warcraft Game Makers Guild at Blizzard Entertainment. The Communications Workers of America, represented by Emma Kinema, spearheaded these efforts, with insights from Bethesda's Autumn Mitchell and Chris Lusco discussed in the Game Developer Podcast.
Magic: The Gathering Arena developers have successfully unionized
Developers of Magic: The Gathering Arena at Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro have successfully unionized, forming the United Wizards of the Coast-CWA. The union's goals include obtaining assurances regarding generative AI, layoff protections, and compensation transparency. Employees voted in favor of unionization following a National Labour Relations Board election after their request for voluntary recognition was denied.
Wizards of the Coast writes to staff to explain "how union representation works" as studio prepares to vote to unionize
Wizards of the Coast has communicated with staff about the implications of union representation as employees prepare to vote on unionizing with the Communication Workers of America. The company stated that all current benefits and perks would be subject to negotiation, potentially resulting in changes to existing terms. The vote is scheduled with the National Labor Relations Board for June 2.
Report: Wizards of the Coast is trying to discourage workers from unionizing
Wizards of the Coast is reportedly issuing letters to employees to discourage them from unionizing, warning of potential negative outcomes. This comes as Magic: The Gathering Arena developers are set to vote on unionizing with the Communications Workers of America on June 2, 2026, after voluntarily recognizing the union failed. The union organizers state their goals include securing AI protections, bolstering job security, and addressing concerns about career progression and a return-to-office mandate.
Psychonauts developer Double Fine will unionise with CWA
Double Fine, the studio behind Psychonauts, is unionizing with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) alongside other Microsoft game studios. The CWA confirmed that Double Fine workers are forming a union to preserve commitments to creative excellence, diversity, inclusion, and worker quality of life. Microsoft has adopted a neutral stance regarding the unionization efforts.
Double Fine petitions to unionize
Double Fine Productions, a Microsoft-owned studio, has filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize with the Communication Workers of America. Approximately 42 employees are included in the union effort, which aims to preserve the studio's commitments to creative excellence and worker quality of life. Microsoft has stated a neutral approach to the organizing efforts.
Double Fine Productions is the latest Microsoft subsidiary to unionise
Double Fine Productions, the developer of Psychonauts, has filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize with the support of the Communications Workers of America. This move follows a trend of unionization among Microsoft subsidiaries, with the company agreeing to a neutral approach. The proposed union includes 42 employees who aim to preserve the studio's commitments to creative excellence and worker quality of life.
Psychonauts, Kiln studio Double Fine votes to unionise
Double Fine Productions, a Microsoft-owned studio known for Psychonauts, has voted to unionize with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). This follows similar unionization efforts at other Microsoft-owned studios like id Software. Separately, Slay the Spire 2 developer Mega Crit is adjusting its patch release schedule and has removed the Doormaker boss in favor of a new one called Aeonglass.
Double Fine is the latest team at Microsoft to unionize
Double Fine, the studio behind Psychonauts, has filed a petition to unionize with the National Labor Relations Board, with all 42 employees participating. The studio is organizing with the Communications Workers of America, a union that has previously supported labor efforts at other Microsoft-owned studios like Activision and ZeniMax.
