Nearly 200 game developers from Activision Blizzard’s Overwatch franchise have joined the Communications Workers of America (CWA), forming a union at Microsoft-owned studios. A neutral arbitrator confirmed that a majority of workers supported union representation through authorization cards or an online portal. These workers will join CWA Local 9510 in Orange County, California, with Microsoft recognizing the union.
Frank Le Cocq, a VFX artist and organizing committee member, stated, “The massive layoffs in the video game industry, and at my own studio, became one of the first reasons I started to learn about how to organize to create a healthier workplace for everyone.” He added that their efforts were inspired by successful unionization at World of Warcraft.
The Overwatch Gamemakers Guild-CWA (OWGG-CWA) encompasses developers across various disciplines such as design, production, engineering, art, sound, and quality assurance. Foster Elmendorf, senior test analyst II and organizing committee member said, “After a long history of layoffs, crunch, and subpar working conditions in the global video game industry…we are thrilled to be joining the broader union effort.”
Over 2,600 workers at Microsoft-owned studios have formed unions with CWA following a labor neutrality agreement. The union aims to address issues like layoff protections and wage increases. Jess Castillo emphasized the importance of having “a seat at the table” to work on sustainable conditions.
Jason Justice from CWA Local 9510 welcomed Overwatch developers into their ranks alongside other organized groups like World of Warcraft and SEGA of America. This move is part of a larger trend within tech and gaming industries led by CODE-CWA. Since its inception five years ago, over 6,000 workers in North America have joined this initiative.
