News Summary
Over 160 workers at Blizzard Entertainment have voted to unionize under the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 9510, highlighting a growing trend of employee organization in the video game industry. This movement addresses concerns regarding job security, workplace conditions, and the prevalence of layoffs. Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has played a notable role in this unionization effort, with the company maintaining a neutral position throughout the process. The ongoing support for unions reflects a significant shift towards better representation for gaming industry workers.
Irvine, California — More than 160 workers at Blizzard Entertainment have officially voted to unionize, marking a significant development in the ongoing trend of worker organization within the video game industry. These employees, primarily involved in producing in-house cinematics, animation, trailers, promotional videos, and narrative content, will become members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 9510 based in Orange County.
This unionization effort is emblematic of a broader movement across the gaming sector, with over 6,000 workers currently organized in studios across the United States and Canada. The drive to form unions stems from various workplace issues, including challenging “crunch-time” hours, job insecurity, and reports of workplace harassment, which have become increasingly prevalent in discussions about labor conditions in the gaming industry.
Activision Blizzard, the parent company of Blizzard Entertainment, has faced scrutiny for laying off around 400 employees in the previous year. This environment of uncertainty has fueled frustration among workers concerning job security, which was highlighted by John Giarratana, a cinematic producer at Blizzard. He expressed concerns regarding frequent layoffs and limited remote work options which have affected overall morale among the workforce.
Following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023, the new ownership has acknowledged the employees’ efforts to unionize and has maintained a neutral stance throughout the organizational process. Uniquely, the workers’ recent vote did not necessitate a typical election overseen by the National Labor Relations Board due to Microsoft’s commitment to neutrality, contrasting with traditional paths toward unionization.
In recent years, unionization initiatives have gained momentum within companies owned by Microsoft, with nearly 3,000 workers at various Microsoft studios successfully forming unions with the CWA. The CWA is recognized as the largest media and telecommunications labor union in the United States, advocating for better conditions for workers in these fields.
This specific instance of unionization follows a noteworthy timeline within the industry. The first video game union in North America was established at Vodeo Games in late 2021. The movement continued to evolve in 2022 when quality assurance workers at Raven Software, another studio under Activision Blizzard, expressed their intents to unionize. Additionally, over 500 developers from the “World of Warcraft” team at Blizzard had already organized the previous year, showcasing a sustained effort toward collective bargaining within the company.
Unionization movements within Blizzard also include the formation of the Overwatch Gamemakers Guild, composed of developers working on Overwatch 2, which has been recognized by Microsoft. These union efforts highlight ongoing concerns regarding working conditions and the work culture at Blizzard, including previous toxicity complaints and legal actions taken against Activision Blizzard.
Workers emphasize the pressing need for job security and improved workplace conditions, as issues surrounding unethical work practices and toxic environments persist. The union’s formation signals a collective push among employees for better pay, transparent work policies, reasonable work hours, and stronger job protections. Organizers indicated that motivations for unionization stemmed from widespread layoffs, excessive crunch hours, and overall inadequate working conditions, which they hope to address through collective negotiations with Microsoft.
This recent unionization trend in the video game industry marks a significant shift towards enhanced employee representation and influence, as workers advocate for rights and better conditions in an industry that has often overlooked their needs. As these movements continue to evolve, they reflect a collective effort by gaming industry workers to secure meaningful changes in their workplace environment.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Activision Blizzard Unionization
- Wikipedia: Unionization in Video Games
- Inverse: Overwatch Gamemakers Guild
- Google Search: Activision Blizzard Unionization
- Bloomberg: Activision Blizzard Union Drive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Labor Union
- PC Gamer: World of Warcraft Team Unionization
- Google News: Blizzard Entertainment Working Conditions
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
