Labor Unions
Ongoing coverage on Labor Unions.
Latest coverage
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.
Comings and Goings
Amid ongoing layoff controversies in the industry, the union representing Rockstar Games employees has reported a significant increase in membership. This growth could potentially lead to mandatory recognition for the union.
"The smallest severance pay possible" - Bethesda union vows to fight as studio employees reel from "bare minimum" payout following mass Xbox layoffs
Employees at Bethesda's Montréal studio, represented by the OneBGS union, are reportedly receiving the minimum legally permissible severance pay following mass layoffs by Xbox. The union claims this contradicts earlier assurances and has filed a complaint against Bethesda and Microsoft for violating Canadian labor laws. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between management and workers in the gaming industry following significant job cuts.
Labor unions challenge Xbox, GameStop CEO says physical game sales are 'irrelevant,' and Glen Schofield retires - Patch Notes #61
Labor unions have filed unfair labor practice charges against Microsoft for allegedly mishandling recent Xbox layoffs, citing "coercive actions" and "unilateral changes." Meanwhile, Dead Space co-creator Glen Schofield has retired from game development, and GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen stated that physical game sales are "irrelevant" to the company's business.
Devs recount chaotic Xbox firings as modders rally behind Bethsoft and ZOS unions
Developers recount chaotic and cruel firings at Xbox, Bethesda, ZeniMax Online Studios, and id Software, with employees reportedly notified via brief, disabled video calls. Remaining staff face low morale and increased workloads, with union members disproportionately affected. The PC modding community has shown support for affected developers by creating mods for Fallout 4 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, with rallies planned.
As unionised Microsoft workers rally against Bethesda layoffs, Fallout 4's been filled with protest signs and OneBGS logoed vault suits by modders
Unionized Microsoft workers are protesting recent mass layoffs affecting over 400 employees at Bethesda Game Studios, ZeniMax, and id Software. In solidarity, modders have added union logos and protest signs to games like Fallout 4 and Skyrim. Union representatives criticize the layoffs, stating they will negatively impact game quality and player experience.
Comings and Goings
Glen Schofield, the creator of Dead Space, has announced his retirement from the gaming industry. Meanwhile, trade union leaders have penned a letter urging Grand Theft Auto 6 developer Rockstar Games to recognize the IWGB Game Workers union.
"We are the best allies to game devs": Skyrim modder shows solidarity with laid off Bethesda workers by draping union logos across Tamriel
A Skyrim modder named Elianora has created a mod called 'United Front' to show solidarity with recently laid-off Bethesda workers. The mod adds union logos to shields and banners within the game, encouraging players to raise awareness for the 'Save Our Devs March' organized by the OneBGS union. This action aims to send a message to Microsoft regarding the recent layoffs affecting Bethesda and other Xbox-owned studios.
MMO Business Roundup: Microsoft is why we can’t have nice things
Microsoft's recent wave of layoffs has significantly impacted its gaming divisions, including studios like Id Software, Bethesda Game Studios, and ZeniMax Online Studios, leading to concerns about the quality and release schedules of major franchises like The Elder Scrolls Online. The article highlights the negative consequences of these business decisions on employees, game development, and player experience, drawing criticism from industry figures and politicians alike.
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.
Business and Finance
CD PROJEKT has concluded its first quarter of 2026. Meanwhile, Rockstar Games employees in the UK have formed a union approximately six months before the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6.
Samsung workers to take home $340,000 on average thanks to union's vote to approve historic profit-share deal
Samsung semiconductor workers will receive an average of $340,000 in bonuses following a union vote to approve a historic profit-sharing deal. The agreement grants workers 10.5% of the company's operating profit, totaling an estimated $22.6 billion. The article also touches on the broader role of labor unions in the tech and gaming industries, referencing recent events at Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast.
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.
GamesStop wants eBay, Nintendo confirms Switch 2 price hike, and union boss says EA buyout is a national security risk - Patch Notes #51
This week's gaming news roundup covers GameStop's $55.5 billion takeover bid for eBay, Nintendo's confirmation of price hikes for the Nintendo Switch 2, and concerns raised by a union boss regarding the potential Saudi Arabian buyout of Electronic Arts, citing national security risks. The article also touches on internal leadership changes at Xbox, layoffs at 2K, and the rebranding of CCP Games.
Unions band together to launch new game industry conference 'by workers, for workers'
A new game industry conference called the Game Workers Conference has been launched by unions. The event will be hosted online and will be freely accessible to all attendees.
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.
'I Need a Union Contract to Feel Safe': Broken Hearted Mega Man Voice Actor Won't Star in New PS5, PS4 Game
Voice actor Ben Diskin, who voiced Mega Man in Mega Man 11, will not reprise his role in the upcoming Mega Man: Dual Override due to Capcom's refusal to provide a union contract with AI protections. Diskin stated his decision is not about money but about feeling safe in an industry facing layoffs and uncertainty. Other voice actors, like Steve Blum, have voiced support for Diskin's stance.
Mega Man Voice Actor Won't Return For Sequel Because Capcom Won't Go Union
Voice actor Ben Diskin will not return as Mega Man in Mega Man: Dual Override due to Capcom's refusal to use a union contract with SAG-AFTRA protections. Diskin cited concerns over AI voice usage and the lack of union backing. SAG-AFTRA has issued a "Do Not Work" order against the game, which is slated for a 2027 release on multiple platforms.
How the Employment Rights Act 2025 empowers unions and employees, and how the games business must prepare
The new UK Employment Rights Act 2025, set to be implemented in stages through 2026 and 2027, significantly reforms employment laws, making it easier for trade unions to organize and take industrial action. The changes aim to reduce hurdles for unionization, simplify strike balloting, extend strike mandates, and offer greater protection to workers involved in industrial action. The article advises UK games businesses to prepare for increased union activity by understanding the legal framework, auditing employment practices, and ensuring documentation is robust.
