Nearly 200 Overwatch Developers Form A Union at Activision Blizzard

Almost 200 developers working on the popular video game Overwatch at Activision Blizzard have formed a union.

The group has joined the Communications Workers of America (CWA) after a strong majority of workers signed up to support the effort.

The new union, called The Overwatch Gamemakers Guild-CWA (OWGG-CWA), includes developers from all parts of game creation. This includes people who work in design, production, engineering, art, sound, and quality testing.

"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," explained Frank Le Cocq, who works as a visual effects artist and helped organize the union.

Le Cocq also mentioned finding inspiration from nearby colleagues: "When we began our union efforts, it was empowering to know that our coworkers next door at World of Warcraft had already successfully gone through the process."

The formation of this union reflects a growing trend in California's gaming industry. Jason Justice, President of CWA Local 9510, welcomed the new members, stating: "California continues to be a hub for video game organizing, and we are excited to welcome Overwatch game developers to CWA alongside our video game union siblings at World of Warcraft and SEGA of America."

Microsoft, which now owns Activision Blizzard, has officially recognized the new union. This recognition extends to more than 2,100 Microsoft workers who have already formed unions with the CWA.

The gaming industry has faced increasing instability worldwide, prompting more developers and performers to seek collective bargaining agreements. This movement gained momentum following the SAG-AFTRA strike last year, where actors and performers sought better conditions and protections.