Irvine, California — The development team behind Blizzard’s blockbuster title, Overwatch 2, has taken a significant step by forming a union, marking a pivotal moment for the gaming industry. With nearly 200 developers from various departments, including art, design, and engineering, uniting under the banner of the Communications Workers of America, this effort reflects a growing trend among video game workers seeking better working conditions and protections.
This new organization, known as the Overwatch Gamemakers Guild-CWA, follows the unionization efforts of the World of Warcraft team last July and comes as Microsoft has adopted a labor neutrality agreement since acquiring Activision Blizzard. According to a recent announcement, an independent arbitrator verified that a substantial majority of employees expressed their desire for union representation, either by signing a union authorization card or through an online portal.
The drive to unionize stems from mounting frustration over working conditions, particularly following substantial layoffs that affected nearly 2,000 employees across Microsoft last year. Simon Hedrick, a quality assurance tester at Blizzard, highlighted the emotional toll of witnessing colleagues unexpectedly lose their jobs. The layoffs served as a wake-up call for many within the company, with Hedrick expressing a strong desire to protect the people he works alongside.
The impetus for organizing within the Overwatch team also stems from issues such as pay disparities, restrictions around remote work, and the need for formal protections regarding crunch time, time off, and severance policies. Veteran Blizzard employee Foster Elmendorf emphasized that improving labor conditions could ultimately lead to higher-quality games, pointing out how poor treatment can detrimentally affect creativity and morale within the studio.
Just last year, developers expressed dissatisfaction when changes to the company’s profit-sharing program resulted in no bonuses for an entire year. Elmendorf noted the necessity of unionization in ensuring that any agreements regarding workplace conditions are durable and not easily retracted.
Despite not being immune to layoffs, unionization provides a platform for employees to engage in dialogue with management about critical issues, aiming for a collaborative atmosphere rather than one of unilateral decisions. UI artist Sadie Boyd, who joined Blizzard last September, shared her experience from a previous failed union drive at Arkane Austin, underscoring her commitment to ensuring that developers feel valued and secure in their roles.
Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be a pivotal year for Overwatch 2. Although much of the anticipated player versus environment (PVE) content has been scrapped, the game continues to roll out ambitious initiatives, including innovative new modes. As the development team navigates its future, union leaders aim to tackle broader issues, including the implications of generative AI in gaming.
This organizing effort is not confined solely to quality assurance workers; developers from various backgrounds have come together to champion these collective concerns. Boyd believes the union will not only address internal issues but serve as an example for other studios in the industry.
With the formation of the Overwatch Gamemakers Guild, employees hope to establish a new standard in gaming labor relations, underscoring the importance of developers having a voice in shaping their working environment as well as the games they create. As unions gain traction in the industry, employees are optimistic that the Overwatch initiative will encourage others to consider similar actions, potentially sparking broader discussions about labor in gaming.