United Videogame Workers of CWA
United Videogame Workers of CWA business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Mass Effect fans ramp up efforts to save BioWare's RPG series with a Times Square billboard and plans for more ads outside The Game Awards
Fans are organizing efforts to save the Mass Effect series after Electronic Arts reportedly cancelled the next game and shut down BioWare. Initiatives include a Times Square billboard, planned ads near EA headquarters and The Game Awards, and a petition with over 226,000 signatures urging EA to continue the franchise. Community-funded efforts are also raising money for the Game Workers' Hardship Fund.
"We are here to give you something to believe in": the former Disco Elysium devs of Summer Eternal reveal new RPG Red Rooster, a game of fire, water and alternate selves
Former Disco Elysium developers have formed a new studio, Summer Eternal, and revealed their upcoming RPG, Red Rooster. The game is described as a spiritual successor to Disco Elysium, featuring a 3D real-time third-person perspective, a magic realist setting, and a physics-powered sandbox with a focus on fire and alternate selves. The studio aims for an anti-capitalist approach to game development, though the game is still in early pre-production and seeking funding.
Ubisoft Workers of Montreal Union petition to "preserve hybrid work" secures over 300 signatures
Ubisoft workers in Montreal have launched a petition to preserve hybrid work, gathering over 300 signatures. The union argues that return-to-office mandates negatively impact various employees and criticizes management's decisions. This follows a previous strike in February against restructuring and return-to-office policies.
Charity bundle hosted by Necrosoft Games nears $200,000 goal to support workers affected by layoffs
A charity bundle hosted by Necrosoft Games on Itch.io, offering 127 titles for $10, is nearing its $200,000 goal to support workers affected by recent layoffs in the US and Canada. The proceeds will go to a hardship fund established by the United Videogame Workers (UVW-CWA) union, which provides financial assistance for work-related or personal expenses, regardless of union membership.
An itch.io bundle is raising money for laid off game workers
The United Videogame Workers union, in partnership with Necrosoft Games, has launched a charity bundle on itch.io featuring 127 games to raise funds for laid-off game industry workers. The bundle, which requires a minimum $10 purchase, has already raised over $150,000. Union president Aurelia Augusta highlighted the solidarity shown by the response and emphasized that the funds are intended for individual developers facing hardship, not companies.
Indie Game Bundle Aiding Laid-Off Developers Is Nearing $200,000 Raised
A Game Industry Hardship Fund bundle on Itch.io, created by Necrosoft Games director Brandon Sheffield and the United Videogame Workers, has raised nearly $200,000 to assist laid-off developers with living expenses. The bundle features 127 games, including titles like Skatebird and A Short Hike, with all proceeds going to affected individuals in the US and Canada. This initiative comes in response to widespread layoffs within the industry, with funds being distributed by the union.
MMO Business Roundup: Roblox claims it’s safe, dev charity bundle, and Xbox 360 games on PC
This MMO business roundup covers several key developments, including Microsoft's alleged plans to bring Xbox 360 games to PC and future consoles. Roblox Corp asserts its platform is safe for users despite ongoing allegations, while the World of Warcraft union highlights developer struggles with RTO mandates. Additionally, a charitable game bundle for laid-off developers has raised over $146,000.
Devs raise $130,000 in just five days to support laid-off peers
A charity bundle organized by Necrosoft Games has raised over $130,000 in five days to support game developers who have been laid off. The bundle, featuring over 100 games, surpassed its initial goal and is now aiming for $200,000. Funds are distributed by the United Videogame Workers union to provide financial assistance to affected workers.
Get more than 100 games for just $10 in a new bundle supporting laid-off game devs
In response to ongoing layoffs within the games industry, the United Videogame Workers union and Necrosoft Games have launched the Game Industry Hardship Fund bundle on Itch.io. For $10, players can access over 100 games, with all proceeds supporting a fund for US and Canadian game developers impacted by job losses to cover essential living expenses. The bundle has already raised nearly $30,000 and will be available until August 14.
Indies devs band together for 100-game, $10 bundle aiming to help an "unprecedented number" of laid off…
Indie game developers have launched a $10 bundle featuring over 100 games and assets to support developers affected by recent layoffs. Spearheaded by Necrosoft Games, all proceeds, minus processing fees, will go to a Game Industry Hardship Fund managed by United Videogame Workers. The bundle includes titles like A Short Hike and Arranger, with funds intended to help laid-off developers with essential living expenses.
"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.
"Workers deserve protection, not to be treated like disposable line items" – Hundreds of union members affected by Xbox layoffs
Hundreds of union members from the Communication Workers of America were impacted by recent layoffs at Xbox, which saw 3,200 positions eliminated and five studios divested. The CWA is pursuing legal and contractual actions to protect affected workers, including bargaining for severance and recall rights. Union leaders criticized Microsoft's treatment of employees and expressed disappointment with slow progress on contract negotiations, while Xbox leadership cited strategic overextension as a reason for the cuts.
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.
Union launches hardship fund for laid off developers
The United Videogame Workers union has launched a hardship fund to assist game developers in the US and Canada affected by recent layoffs. The fund, supported by membership fees and a forthcoming Itch.io charity bundle, offers grants of up to $5,000 for essential living and work-related expenses. This initiative aims to provide immediate financial relief to industry professionals facing job insecurity.
Union workers establish hardship fund to support devs impacted by layoffs
Union members at United Videogame Workers-CWA have established the Game Worker Hardship Fund to provide financial assistance to game developers in the US and Canada impacted by recent layoffs. The fund offers cash sums up to $5,000 for basic living expenses, and applicants do not need to be union members to receive aid.
Streamer Support, Mental Health Gaming, Final Fantasy for Good, and the UVW: Good in Gaming Vol. 3
This installment of Good in Gaming highlights various positive initiatives within the gaming community, including a mobile game called Finch that promotes mental health through habit tracking, a charity stream by Rashern for The Trevor Project that raised $1000, and the Final Fantasy V Four Job Fiesta which raises money for the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund. The article also touches on the ongoing efforts of the United Videogame Workers to advocate for better labor conditions and unionization within the game industry.
Direct-join union UVW-CWA now has 550 members
The United Videogame Workers-CWA, a direct-join union for video game workers in the US and Canada, has reached approximately 550 members. Established in March of last year, the union aims to build worker power across the industry and is currently developing a 'Videogame Worker Bill of Rights'.
Game dev union members marched at GDC to propose a 'Game Workers' Bill of Rights'
Members of the United Videogame Workers of CWA union marched at the Game Developers Conference to propose a 'Game Workers' Bill of Rights.' The proposed bill includes protections against mandatory AI use, anti-crunch policies, and protections for immigrant workers. The union also announced a 'We don't play with ICE campaign' and an upcoming online Gamer Workers Conference.
Unions band together to launch new game industry conference 'by workers, for workers'
The United Videogame Workers of CWA has launched the Game Workers Conference (GWC), an online event scheduled for May 22-23, 2026, designed by and for game industry workers. The conference will feature discussions on industry skills, union campaigns, and the relationship between press and workers, with participation from organizations like SAG-AFTRA. Sessions will be freely accessible online, with optional watch parties in select cities.
