In a landmark move for the gaming industry, the developers behind World of Warcraft (WoW) have officially unionized, marking Blizzard Entertainment’s first-ever “wall-to-wall” union. This momentous event is set to reshape the dynamics of game development and employee representation within the company.
The Unionization Journey
Earlier today, over 500 eligible employees working on World of Warcraft cast their votes, resulting in the formation of the World of Warcraft Game Makers Guild (WoWGG). This union, encompassing designers, engineers, producers, artists, QA testers, and other developers, is part of the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The majority of these employees are based in Irvine, CA, with a smaller team in Massachusetts.
In addition to WoWGG, a separate group of Activision-Blizzard QA workers in Austin, Texas, has formed the Texas Blizzard QA United union, also under the CWA. These unions were officially recognized under Microsoft’s labor neutrality agreement and certified by an independent arbitrator.
The Spark That Ignited Change
The journey towards unionization began in earnest at the end of 2021, following a California lawsuit alleging harassment and inequality at Blizzard. A pivotal moment occurred in June 2021 when Blizzard employees staged a walk-out, demanding further action. This event sparked further organizing efforts, leading to the formation of WoWGG.
Senior producer Samuel Cooper explained the gradual but exponential process of organizing, emphasizing the importance of individual conversations among colleagues. Cooper, along with senior quest designer Paul Cox, played crucial roles in advocating for a more democratized workplace.
Microsoft’s Role and Industry Impact
Blizzard’s acquisition by Microsoft last year significantly influenced the unionization process. Microsoft’s commitment to labor neutrality allowed Blizzard employees to organize openly, boosting their efforts. Cooper highlighted the support they received from other game unions at SEGA, Zenimax, and Activision, which bolstered their confidence.
Microsoft has expressed support for the unionization efforts, stating, “We continue to support our employees’ right to choose how they are represented in the workplace, and we will engage in good faith negotiations with the CWA.”
What’s Next for WoWGG?
The union’s primary goals include addressing pay equity and advocating for flexible work-from-home policies. The requirement for employees to be in the office three days a week has been a significant issue, especially for those who moved away during the pandemic. Both Cooper and Cox emphasized their commitment to improving Blizzard as a workplace out of their deep love for the company and their colleagues.
A Growing Movement
WoWGG’s victory is part of a broader trend of industry unionization, with recent successful efforts at Bethesda Game Studios and other Microsoft-owned companies. Cooper believes that Blizzard’s influence in the industry will inspire further unionization efforts, ultimately leading to better working conditions across the sector.
As the WoWGG moves towards contract negotiations, their success serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for other game developers striving for better representation and working conditions.
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