The gaming industry is witnessing a significant change. Over 450 developers at Blizzard Entertainment, known for the Diablo series, have decided to unionize with the Communication Workers of America (CWA). This vote took place on August 27, 2025, with workers expressing their desire to unionize both offline and online.
This union will represent a diverse group at Blizzard. It includes designers, engineers, artists, and support staff. Kelly Yeo, a game producer involved in the organizing effort, shared that recent layoffs at Microsoft fueled their push for unionization. Yeo noted, “With each round of layoffs, fear crept deeper into my coworkers.” The need for protection against arbitrary job loss was strong.
Ryan Littleton, a game designer and organizing committee member, reflected on the anxiety these changes brought. He recalled a moment when he tried to access the cafeteria, only to face a denied badge. “That fear shouldn’t be part of our daily lives,” he said.
Blizzard isn’t alone in this movement. Many major studios have seen similar unionization efforts in the wake of mass layoffs. Earlier in August, Blizzard’s Story and Franchise Development team also voted to unionize.
The goal of these unions is clear. Members want to combat what they call the “constant pressure of layoffs.” Many in the industry feel they work under a “passion tax,” where love for the job often leads to neglected worker rights. Nav Bhatti, a senior software engineer, articulated this sentiment, saying, “Forming a union is us doing just that—standing our ground.”
Jason Justice, president of CWA Local 9510, pointed out that California is becoming a focal point for video game workers seeking change. “This is part of a larger trend,” he stated, highlighting a collective push across various entertainment sectors for better worker representation.
As this union forms, it could reshape the dynamics in the gaming industry. Workers want not just security but also a voice in the growing landscape of game development. The call for unity and change resonates beyond Blizzard, signaling a shift toward stronger worker rights across the board.
For more on labor movements in tech and entertainment, you can read this report from the Economic Policy Institute.
