Los Angeles

Protest at The Game Awards

The United Videogame Workers (CWA) called a demonstration outside of The Game Awards in Los Angeles. Around 50 workers took part under the banner "The Industry Is Dead." The protest focused on the cancellation of The Game Awards' Future Class, as well as the continuing layoffs in the industry.


United States

The United Videogame Workers (CWA) called a demonstration outside of The Game Awards in Los Angeles. Around 50 workers took part under the banner &quot;The Industry Is Dead.&quot; The protest focused on the cancellation of The Game Awards' Future Class, as well as the continuing layoffs in the industry.


New York

Protest at Rockstar's Toronto offices against union-busting

Following Rockstar's firings of workers in Britain, game workers and supporters organised a solidarity demonstration outside the Toronto offices. Three of the 34 fired workers are from Canada.


Canada

Workers at id Software unionise

Workers at id Software, the studio that makes Doom, announced they were unionising. 165 of the 185 employees are involved in forming a wall-to-wall union with CWA. The workers have been organising for a year and a half, following similar unionisation campaigns at other Microsoft-owned studios.


Mevagh Paris

Launch of united front of videogame worker unions in Western Europe

Game worker unions from Spain, Italy, Germany, Ireland, the UK, and France met to discuss how they can cooperate together to organise the games industry. The meeting included: Coordinadora Sindical del Videojuego – CGT (Spain), FIOM-CGIL Milan Work Council (Italy), ver.di Game Devs Roundtable (Germany), Game Workers Unite Ireland – FSU (Ireland), IWGB Game Workers (United Kingdom), and Syndicat des Travailleureuses du Jeu Vidéo (France)


France

United Kingdom

Germany

Spain

Italy

Ireland

Protest at Rockstar's New York offices against union-busting

Following Rockstar's firings of workers in Britain, game workers and supporters organised a solidarity demonstration outside of the New York offices.


City of Edinburgh

Workers organise another protest outside Rockstar Edinburgh

Another protest was organised outside of Rockstar's office in Edinburgh, which has been accused of union-busting following the firing of 34 workers.


Open letter signed by 220 Rockstar workers sent to management over firing union members

Following the firing of 34 workers, described by IWGB as “the most ruthless act of union busting in the history of the games industry”, 220 workers at Rockstar sent an open letter to management. They demanded the immediate reinstatement of the workers. Protests took place outside the Edinburg office every day of the previous week. There were protests in London, Paris, and New York.


Greater London

Second protest outside Take-Two Interactive following Rockstar union-busting

A second protest was organised outside of Take-Two Interactive's London office following Rockstar union-busting. Take-Two is the parent company for Rockstar, which has been accused of union-busting following the firing of 34 workers.


Paris

Protest outside Take-Two Interactive Paris office following Rockstar union-busting

A protest was organised outside of Take-Two Interactive's Paris office following Rockstar union-busting. Take-Two is the parent company for Rockstar, which has been accused of union-busting following the firing of 34 workers.


Protest outside Take-Two Interactive following Rockstar union-busting

A protest was organised outside of Take-Two Interactive's London office following Rockstar union-busting. Take-Two is the parent company for Rockstar, which has been accused of union-busting following the firing of 34 workers.


São Paulo

Workers form the Union of Workers in the Game Industry in the State of São Paulo

Workers in the State of São Paulo formed Sindjogos-SP, the Sindicato dos Trabalhadores na Indústria de Jogos e Desenvolvimento de Games do Estado De São Paulo (the Union of Workers in the Game Industry in the State of São Paulo).


Brazil

Irvine

Workers at Blizzard's Hearthstone and Warcraft Rumble vote to unionise

Workers at Blizzard's Hearthstone and Warcraft Rumble teams vote to unionise with CWA. Around 100 workers voted, including software engineers, designers, artists, quality assurance testers, and producers. They will become members of CWA Local 9510 in Irvine, California. Microsoft recognised the union.


Unionised workers at EA criticise lack of consultation over Saudi Arabia sale

Workers at EA, organising with UVW-CWA, released a statement criticising the sale of the company to Saudi Arabia. They note that the company has not consulted or negotiated with workers about the sale. As reported, the statement notes:
"if jobs are lost or studios are closed due to this deal, that would be a choice, not a necessity, made to pad investors' pockets ... EA is not a struggling company ... With annual revenues reaching $7.5 billion and $1 billion in profit each year, EA is one of the largest video game developers and publishers in the world. EA's success has been entirely driven by tens of thousands of EA workers whose creativity, skill, and innovation made EA worth buying in the first place. Yet we, the very people who will be jeopardized as a result of this deal, were not represented at all when this buyout was negotiated or discussed ... We are particularly worried about the future of our studios that are arbitrarily deemed 'less profitable' but whose contributions to the video game industry define EA's reputation ... Every time private equity or billionaire investors take a studio private, workers lose visibility, transparency, and power ... Decisions that shape our jobs, our art, and our futures are made behind closed doors by executives who have never written a line of code, built worlds, or supported live services. We are calling on regulators and elected officials to scrutinize this deal and ensure that any path forward protects jobs, preserves creative freedom, and keeps decision-making accountable to the workers who make EA successful."


Workers at EA, organising with UVW-CWA, released a statement criticising the sale of the company to Saudi Arabia. They note that the company has not consulted or negotiated with workers about the sale. As reported, the statement notes:
&quot;if jobs are lost or studios are closed due to this deal, that would be a choice, not a necessity, made to pad investors' pockets ... EA is not a struggling company ... With annual revenues reaching $7.5 billion and $1 billion in profit each year, EA is one of the largest video game developers and publishers in the world. EA's success has been entirely driven by tens of thousands of EA workers whose creativity, skill, and innovation made EA worth buying in the first place. Yet we, the very people who will be jeopardized as a result of this deal, were not represented at all when this buyout was negotiated or discussed ... We are particularly worried about the future of our studios that are arbitrarily deemed 'less profitable' but whose contributions to the video game industry define EA's reputation ... Every time private equity or billionaire investors take a studio private, workers lose visibility, transparency, and power ... Decisions that shape our jobs, our art, and our futures are made behind closed doors by executives who have never written a line of code, built worlds, or supported live services. We are calling on regulators and elected officials to scrutinize this deal and ensure that any path forward protects jobs, preserves creative freedom, and keeps decision-making accountable to the workers who make EA successful.&quot;


Workers at Blizzard's Platforms and Technology vote to unionise

Workers at Blizzard's Platforms and Technology department voted to unionise with CWA. Over 400 workers voted in favour, including designers, engineers, QA testers, localisation teams, and Battle.net. Microsoft recognised the union.


Open letter to executive leadership at Build A Rocket Boy

Workers at Build A Rocket Boy wrote an open letter to the executive leadership protesting their treatment. Around 250-300 workers have been laid off. They blame a lack of transparency and communication, unbearable levels of overtime, and disastrous handling of redundancies, amongst many other issues.


Workers at ZA/UM unionise in the UK

Workers at ZA/UM, the studio that made Disco Elysium, unionised at ZA/UM Workers Alliance with the IWGB. This follows layoffs of 20 workers (around a quarter of the studio) the previous year. The union represents workers in the UK but also aims to be open for workers in Porto and Tallinn. The recognition agreement provides the starting point for collective bargaining at the studio.


450 workers at Blizzard's Diablo studio vote to unionise

450 workers at Blizzard's Diablo studio vote to unionise with CWA. Following rounds of layoffs at the studio, the new union includes game developers, artists, designers, engineers, and support staff across the Diablo series. Microsoft recognised the union.

As one committee member, Kelly Yeo, explained: "With every subsequent round of mass layoffs, I've witnessed the dread in my coworkers grow stronger because it feels like no amount of hard work is enough to protect us, I am overjoyed that we have formed a union—this is just the first step for us joining a movement spreading across an industry that is tired of living in fear. We are ready to begin fighting for real change alongside our Diablo colleagues."

Ryan Littleton, another committee member, explained: "The day after the third round of mass layoffs, I walked into the office, and when I tried to open the door to the cafeteria, my badge was denied. For a moment, I wondered if getting breakfast was how I'd find out I was part of that round. While luckily it was just a technical issue, none of us should have to live with that constant worry that we might be let go at the drop of a hat. A union allows us to organize across the industry to make great games and protect the developers who create them from the constant pressures of layoffs, passion tax, and crunch."


450 workers at Blizzard's Diablo studio vote to unionise with CWA. Following rounds of layoffs at the studio, the new union includes game developers, artists, designers, engineers, and support staff across the Diablo series. Microsoft recognised the union.
As one committee member, Kelly Yeo, explained: &quot;With every subsequent round of mass layoffs, I've witnessed the dread in my coworkers grow stronger because it feels like no amount of hard work is enough to protect us, I am overjoyed that we have formed a union—this is just the first step for us joining a movement spreading across an industry that is tired of living in fear. We are ready to begin fighting for real change alongside our Diablo colleagues.&quot;
Ryan Littleton, another committee member, explained: &quot;The day after the third round of mass layoffs, I walked into the office, and when I tried to open the door to the cafeteria, my badge was denied. For a moment, I wondered if getting breakfast was how I'd find out I was part of that round. While luckily it was just a technical issue, none of us should have to live with that constant worry that we might be let go at the drop of a hat. A union allows us to organize across the industry to make great games and protect the developers who create them from the constant pressures of layoffs, passion tax, and crunch.&quot;


Workers at IGN start work to rule campaign

Workers at IGN, organising with the IGN Union, started a work to rule campaign. Following layoffs , the action was a response to management's attempt to increase workloads of the remaining staff. The action was scheduled to continue until the 13th of February.


Orange County

Workers at Blizzard's Story and Franchise Development form union

Workers in Blizzard's Story and Franchise Development team voted in favour of unionising with CWA in a union authorisation vote. They have become members of CWA Local 9510 in Orange County. Microsoft recognised the union. This is the first in-house cinematic, animation, and narrative studio to unionise in North America.


Formation of works councils in the German games industry

New works councils were founded at German games companies with the support of the union Ver.di and its games workgroup GDRT (Game Developers Roundtable). Five have been made public so far, including all three Ubisoft offices.


Middleton

Workers at Raven Software secure first contract

Workers at Raven Software, owned by Microsoft/Activision Blizzard, voted unanimously to ratify their first union contract between Game Workers Alliance-CWA (GWA-CWA) members and Microsoft. After three years of bargaining, they secured a guaranteed 10% wage increase over two years, an elimination of crunch time, and other improved conditions. These workers formed the first unit within Activision Blizzard in January 2022.


Open letter from IWGB Game Workers criticises UK Video Games Council

IWGB Game Workers published an open letter criticising their exclusion from the new UK Video Games Council. Writing to MPs, they noted that the new council excluded all charitable organisations as well. They demanded that workers have representation on the council.


Barcelona

Workers at King in Barcelona protest outside offices

Workers at King in Barcelona called for a demonstration outside the offices. The workers are organising with CSVI.


Madrid

Workers at Secret 6 Madrid call off strike after agreeing severance

Workers at Secret 6 Madrid called off a planned strike after agreeing on severance terms with the parent company, Testronic. The Secret 6 Madrid studio will close on 31st July 2025. They had planned to strike on 17, 21, 22, 23, and 24th of July.


Open letter from workers at Arkane Studios against complicity in Israeli genocide

Workers at Arkane Studios, organising with STJV, published an open letter. It calls on the management of the studio, as well as Zenimax and Microsoft, to take responsibility for complicity in Israeli genocide. Following the No Azure for Apartheid campaign, they call for Microsoft to:
- Termination of all ongoing or future contracts with Israeli Occupation Forces.
- Disclosing all ties to the Israeli military, as well as conducting a transparent, independent and **public** audit of Microsoft technologies, contracts, services and investments to make sure they are not used to violate the [United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights](https://www.ohchr.org/en/publications/reference-publications/guiding-principles-business-and-human-rights), the [Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols](https://www.icrc.org/en/law-and-policy/geneva-conventions-and-their-commentaries), and [Microsoft’s own Human Rights Statement](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/corporate-responsibility/human-rights-statement), in Palestine or anywhere else.
- Calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
- Uphold free speech and ensure the protection of pro-Palestinian speech and the safety of allies employes, as well as any actions, fundraising initiatives on internal company platforms.



Workers at Arkane Studios, organising with STJV, published an open letter. It calls on the management of the studio, as well as Zenimax and Microsoft, to take responsibility for complicity in Israeli genocide. Following the No Azure for Apartheid campaign, they call for Microsoft to:

Termination of all ongoing or future contracts with Israeli Occupation Forces.
Disclosing all ties to the Israeli military, as well as conducting a transparent, independent and public audit of Microsoft technologies, contracts, services and investments to make sure they are not used to violate the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, and Microsoft’s own Human Rights Statement, in Palestine or anywhere else.
Calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Uphold free speech and ensure the protection of pro-Palestinian speech and the safety of allies employes, as well as any actions, fundraising initiatives on internal company platforms.


Manifesto for a Brazilian Association of Narrative Designers and Game Writers

A letter written by the Collective of Brazilian Game Narrative Professionals calls for a new association to support game workers. It makes public their intent to found a Brazilian Association of Narrative Designers and Game Writers.


Jeju Montrak, Bk pig Bbq

Three-day strike at Neople

Workers at Neople, a Nexon subsidiary, held a three-day strike. Around 300 participants joined, demanding a fair distribution of performance bonuses. They were joined by union members from major game companies and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions’ Textile Workers’ Union. This was the first strike in the video game industry in Korea.


South Korea

Workers at three New York City board game cafes unionise

Workers at three board game cafes in New York City, Hex&Co, The Brooklyn Strategist, and The Uncommons, unionised with the Tabletop Workers United. The union represents over 100 workers and secured a three-year contract, including a 19% pay increase, paid holiday and bereavement leave, and improved scheduling of shifts. As part of the campaign, TWU were supported by the Tabletop Solidarity Committee, 2,000 customers and local supporters who organised boycotts, in-store actions, and raised $15,000 for a strike fund.


Workers at three board game cafes in New York City, Hex&amp;Co, The Brooklyn Strategist, and The Uncommons, unionised with the Tabletop Workers United. The union represents over 100 workers and secured a three-year contract, including a 19% pay increase, paid holiday and bereavement leave, and improved scheduling of shifts. As part of the campaign, TWU were supported by the Tabletop Solidarity Committee, 2,000 customers and local supporters who organised boycotts, in-store actions, and raised $15,000 for a strike fund.


Halifax

Workers at Ubisoft Halifax Unionise

Workers at Ubisoft Halifax announced they had unionised with CWA Canada Local 30111. 39 workers signed the letter announcing their unionisation.


City of Syracuse

Workers at TCGPlayer secure improved severance agreement

Workers organising with the TCGPlayer union secured an improved severance agreement with eBay and TCGPlayer following the closure of the Authentication Center. They collectively bargained for 20 weeks of severance pay (with an extra $2.50 per hour), six months of medical insurance, seven months of mental health benefits, and a $1,250 ratification bonus.


SAG-AFTRA reaches a tentative agreement on Interactive Media Contract

Workers organising with SAG-AFTRA reached a tentative agreement in the video game contract. The Interactive Media Contract will now be reviewed by the National Board. SAG-AFTRA workers have been on strike since 26th July 2024, and this tentative agreement would not immediately suspend the strike.


QA Workers at ZeniMax Media agree tentative contract

ZeniMax Workers United, part of CWA union, reached a tenative agreement with ZeniMax, a subsidiary of Microsoft. Representing 300 QA workers, this would be the first collective bargaining agreement in the US games industry. It follows the labour neutrality agreement signed between CWA and Microsoft.

The proposed agreement includes wage increases, minimum salaries, protections against dismissal, a grievance process, and formal recognition of QA workers contributions. There is also a framework for the use of AI. 

“Workers in the video game industry are demonstrating once again that collective power works. This agreement shows what’s possible when workers stand together and refuse to accept the status quo,” said CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. “Whether it’s having a say about the use of AI in the workplace, fighting for significant wage increases and fair crediting policies, or protecting workers from retaliation, our members have raised the bar. We’re proud to support them every step of the way.”


ZeniMax Workers United, part of CWA union, reached a tenative agreement with ZeniMax, a subsidiary of Microsoft. Representing 300 QA workers, this would be the first collective bargaining agreement in the US games industry. It follows the labour neutrality agreement signed between CWA and Microsoft.
The proposed agreement includes wage increases, minimum salaries, protections against dismissal, a grievance process, and formal recognition of QA workers contributions. There is also a framework for the use of AI.
“Workers in the video game industry are demonstrating once again that collective power works. This agreement shows what’s possible when workers stand together and refuse to accept the status quo,” said CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. “Whether it’s having a say about the use of AI in the workplace, fighting for significant wage increases and fair crediting policies, or protecting workers from retaliation, our members have raised the bar. We’re proud to support them every step of the way.”


Workers at Avalanche Studios sign collective agreement

Avalanche Studios and Unionen signed a collective agreement for one year. This covers occupational pensions, annual salary revisions, and paid sick and parental leave.


Sweden

Workers in Brazil send an open to Gamescom Latam in support of Brazilian Independent Games

An open letter, signed by 361 workers, called on Gamescom Latam to support independent games in Brazil. The festival grew out of Brazil's Independent Games Festival, is turning away from supporting independent games, with increased prices to participate.


South Korean game unions demand abolition of comprehensive wage system

A group of game worker unions in South Korea demanded an end to the comprehensive wage system. This is a system of wages that includes allowances for overtime and working at night that are paid as part of the salary. It is therefore difficult to receive payment for additional hours worked, leading to non-payment for crunch time.

Baesu-chan, the vice president of Nexon, said: “The abolition of the comprehensive wage system is the most urgent issue ... Although the comprehensive wage system has been abolished in large game companies, it is applied in a modified form in small and medium-sized enterprises or Nexon subsidiaries such as 'Mint Rocket,' which imposes a heavy burden on workers ... The previous government tried to expand flexible working hours while viewing the gaming industry differently, but in reality, even managing the recording of commuting hours for overtime pay has not been implemented.”


A group of game worker unions in South Korea demanded an end to the comprehensive wage system. This is a system of wages that includes allowances for overtime and working at night that are paid as part of the salary. It is therefore difficult to receive payment for additional hours worked, leading to non-payment for crunch time.
Baesu-chan, the vice president of Nexon, said: “The abolition of the comprehensive wage system is the most urgent issue ... Although the comprehensive wage system has been abolished in large game companies, it is applied in a modified form in small and medium-sized enterprises or Nexon subsidiaries such as 'Mint Rocket,' which imposes a heavy burden on workers ... The previous government tried to expand flexible working hours while viewing the gaming industry differently, but in reality, even managing the recording of commuting hours for overtime pay has not been implemented.”


IGN Union proposes inclusion of product, engineering, and Humble Bundle into unit

The IGN Union proposed expanding their existing bargaining unit to include workers in product, engineering, and Humble Bundle. They called on IGN management to voluntarily recognise the addition to the unit


SAG-AFTRA files unfair labor practice against Llama Studios

SAG-AFTRA files unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB against Llama studios. The studio makes Fortnite and used a digital replica of James Earl Jones to voice Darth Vader in the game without bargaining with the union.

In their statement, SAG-AFTRA explained:  "Fortnite's signatory company, Llama Productions, chose to replace the work of human performers with A.I. technology ... Unfortunately, they did so without providing any notice of their intent to do this and without bargaining with us over appropriate terms. As such, we have filed an unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB against Llama Productions."


SAG-AFTRA files unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB against Llama studios. The studio makes Fortnite and used a digital replica of James Earl Jones to voice Darth Vader in the game without bargaining with the union.
In their statement, SAG-AFTRA explained:  &quot;Fortnite's signatory company, Llama Productions, chose to replace the work of human performers with A.I. technology ... Unfortunately, they did so without providing any notice of their intent to do this and without bargaining with us over appropriate terms. As such, we have filed an unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB against Llama Productions.&quot;


Overwatch workers form union

Almost 200 developers working on the Overwatch game have voted to form a union. The Overwatch Gamemakers Guild-CWA was formed with CWA, another union formed under the Microsoft labor neutrality agreement.


Workers at TCGplayer protest closing of Authentication Center

Workers at the TCGPlayer authentication center in Syracuse, New York are facing closure. This puts hundreds of workers at risk of layoff - including all those that unionised. The union has been negotiating with eBay, which has hired the anti-union legal firm Littler Mendelson. Workers organised a rally outside of the TCGPlayer offices in protest.


Activision user research workers form union

User research workers at Activision voted for a union, either singing union authorization cards or indicating that they wanted union representation. The workers can now join CWA Local 9400 in Los Angeles, which is recognised by Microsoft. This is the first group of user research workers to unionise in the games industry. 

“A union allows workers to create an industry that works for them, which is vital in an industry that we deeply care about,” said organizing committee member and user research moderator Pat Dimaandal. “Workers should not feel punished for pursuing a career that they love, and that’s why we’re organizing toward long-term, sustainable careers in this industry.”


User research workers at Activision voted for a union, either singing union authorization cards or indicating that they wanted union representation. The workers can now join CWA Local 9400 in Los Angeles, which is recognised by Microsoft. This is the first group of user research workers to unionise in the games industry.
“A union allows workers to create an industry that works for them, which is vital in an industry that we deeply care about,” said organizing committee member and user research moderator Pat Dimaandal. “Workers should not feel punished for pursuing a career that they love, and that’s why we’re organizing toward long-term, sustainable careers in this industry.”


Game workers launch industry-wide union United Videogame Workers with CWA

Workers launch the United Videogame Workers-CWA Local 9433, a direct-join, industry-wide video game union. This is a partnership between CWA and the American Federation of Musicians (AFM). The union was announced at GDC conference.

The UVW-CWA’s mission statement explains: “Our mission is to take back our lives, our labor, and our passion from those who treat us like replaceable cogs; to empower our fellow workers; to link up arms with the laid off, with the freelancer, with the disillusioned contractor, with the disenfranchised and the marginalized, with the workers laboring invisibly to keep this industry afloat ... We are going to create a game industry that works for us, one that nourishes its talent and invests in its future, rather than constantly seeking short-term profits. We are the ones that make the games, so we must be the ones that set the terms of how we work.”


Workers launch the United Videogame Workers-CWA Local 9433, a direct-join, industry-wide video game union. This is a partnership between CWA and the American Federation of Musicians (AFM). The union was announced at GDC conference.
The UVW-CWA’s mission statement explains: “Our mission is to take back our lives, our labor, and our passion from those who treat us like replaceable cogs; to empower our fellow workers; to link up arms with the laid off, with the freelancer, with the disillusioned contractor, with the disenfranchised and the marginalized, with the workers laboring invisibly to keep this industry afloat ... We are going to create a game industry that works for us, one that nourishes its talent and invests in its future, rather than constantly seeking short-term profits. We are the ones that make the games, so we must be the ones that set the terms of how we work.”


Workers at The Uncommons board game cafe in New York walk out

Workers at The Uncommons board game cafe in New York walked out over the refusal of management to negotiate.


Wrocław

Polish Gamedev Workers Union officially at Ten Square Games

The Polish Gamedev Workers Union has started organising at Ten Square Games, a mobile game developer known for games like Let's Fish, Fishing Clash, and Wild Hunt. The union reports having over 300 workers unionised across Poland so far.


Poland

STJV puts together Grève Bundle to support striking workers

Following the general strike in the games industry in France the previous day, STJV launched a Grève (Strike) Bundle on Itch.io to raise strike funds.


French game workers organise general strike

French game workers organising with STJV called a general strike in the video games industry. They organised rallies in Paris, Lyon, Montpellier, Annecy, Angoulême, Bordeaux, Lille, Nantes.

Over a thousand workers took part, out of an estimated 12-15,000 workers in France. Workers at Ubisoft’s Barcelona studio also took part.


French game workers organising with STJV called a general strike in the video games industry. They organised rallies in Paris, Lyon, Montpellier, Annecy, Angoulême, Bordeaux, Lille, Nantes.
Over a thousand workers took part, out of an estimated 12-15,000 workers in France. Workers at Ubisoft’s Barcelona studio also took part.


Workers form union at Blizzard Spain

Workers at Blizzard Spain unionised with CSVI (Coordinadora Sindical del Videojuego) as part of the CGT union. They are organising to improve their working conditions.


French game workers strike at Don't Nod and take part in national strike

Workers at Don't Nod went on strike again on the 12th of December as part of an ongoing fight against redundancies. This was the fifth week of organising 69 redunancies.
French game workers organising in STJV also took part in the CGT national strike on the same day. The strike was called against redunancies taking place across multiple sectors.



Workers at Vallejo organise two day strike

Following the indefinite strike of two-hours per shift, the numbers of workers involved have increased to 98% or 85 workers participating. On the 11th and 12th of December, workers organised two days of strike action.


Warsaw

Workers at GOG unionise

Workers hired at GOG have joined Polish Gamedev Workers Union. GOG (formelly known as Good Old Games) is a digital distribution platform for video games owned by CD Project.


Workers at Vallejo organise a partial indefinite strike

Workers at the Vallejo factory, which makes paints for tabletop games, have organised a partial indefinite strike for two-hours per shift. The majority of the workers are involved, with 74 taking strike action. They demanded a 15% pay rise, improved working conditions, and safety protocols.


California

2K Games' motion capture studio votes to unionise

Workers at 2K Games' California-based motion capture studio have successfully voted to unionise. The election was supervised by the National Labor Relations Board and the action was approved on Friday with a vote of 15 for, 6 against. The 2K Mocap Union will unionise under the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), which claimed in a statement that this will be the first unionisation of a motion capture studio in the games industry, and first under the Take Two umbrella. 


SAG-AFTRA agreement to protect game localisation workers

SAG-AFTRA establishes the Independent Interactive Localization Agreement (IILA), which covers localization of games first made in a non-English language.

The IILA rate sheet includes rates for: off-camera performers to be paid $1,023.75 per session for up 12 voice prints in a four-hour day, or $512 for 2 voice prints in a one-hour day. The rates are set to increase from 2025.


SAG-AFTRA establishes the Independent Interactive Localization Agreement (IILA), which covers localization of games first made in a non-English language.
The IILA rate sheet includes rates for: off-camera performers to be paid $1,023.75 per session for up 12 voice prints in a four-hour day, or $512 for 2 voice prints in a one-hour day. The rates are set to increase from 2025.


Workers at ZeniMax strike over remote work and outsourcing

Workers at ZeniMax (owned by Microsoft) took one day of strike action over the outsourcing of quality assurance work, as well as opposing the return-to-office mandate. ZeniMax Workers United became the first union to form under the Microsoft banner in January 2023 when 300 workers voted in favour. It is estimated that hundreds of workers took part in the strike.


Workers at Don't Nod go on strike over redunancies 

Workers at Don't Nod went on strike over the studio's plans for redundancies. The plan would include 69 workers losing their jobs. The workers demanded that Don't Nod abadon the redundancy plans, give employees a voice in decision-making, and that the CEO Oskar Guilbert be present in the negotiations. 

STJV estimated that 120 people joined the strike.


Workers at Don't Nod went on strike over the studio's plans for redundancies. The plan would include 69 workers losing their jobs. The workers demanded that Don't Nod abadon the redundancy plans, give employees a voice in decision-making, and that the CEO Oskar Guilbert be present in the negotiations.
STJV estimated that 120 people joined the strike.


New York Times game workers join strike

Game workers joined the New York Times Tech Guild Strike. While the union represents over 600 software workers, some of these are game workers. They make games like Wordle and Connections. The workers called for supporters to boycott the games as part of the digital picket line.


AQAU-CWA members hold protest against disability discrimination

Members of AQUA-CWA held a protest against Activision's end of work from home policy. The company are refusing to provide workers with remote from home accommodations, including for disabled workers.


Petaluma

Workers at 2K Games' mocap studio unionise

Twenty-one workers at a 2K Games' motion capture studio in Petaluma, California filed for union recognition with IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees).


Milan

Workers at Ubisoft Italy join strike against return-to-office

Workers at Ubisoft Italy joined a strike started by workers in France over the three-day-a-week return-to-office mandate. 

“It is unthinkable that a young person who lives in another region or in any case far from our territory could spend three days a week in Milan, turning their existence upside down: it is not economically sustainable and unfair on a human level,” said Fiom Cgil representative Andrea Rosafalco.


Workers at Ubisoft Italy joined a strike started by workers in France over the three-day-a-week return-to-office mandate.
“It is unthinkable that a young person who lives in another region or in any case far from our territory could spend three days a week in Milan, turning their existence upside down: it is not economically sustainable and unfair on a human level,” said Fiom Cgil representative Andrea Rosafalco.


King Barcelona workers protest against layoffs

A group of workers protested and held a press conference in front of the Barcelona King office. They were campaigning against the massive layoffs and the meagre compensation packages that the company was offering, while it was another profit record-breaking year for the entire Microsoft group.


Workers at Ubisoft France strike for three days over return-to-office

Workers at Ubisoft went on strike over the three-days-a-week return-to-office mandate. The union estimated that over 1,000 workers went on strike, an estimated 1/4 of the overall workforce: <https://x.com/stjv_fr/status/1847989152668582353> 


Workers at Ubisoft went on strike over the three-days-a-week return-to-office mandate. The union estimated that over 1,000 workers went on strike, an estimated 1/4 of the overall workforce: https://x.com/stjv_fr/status/1847989152668582353


Equity organises solidarity protest with SAG-AFTRA at UKIE games industry AGM

Equity organised a solidarity protest with sister union SAG-AFTRA at the UKIE's AGM. As part of the "Game On!" campaign to improve pay and conditions for performers in the games industry, it was organised in solidarity with the SAG-AFTRA strike. EA, Ubisoft, and Microsoft are all members of UKIE.


Equity organised a solidarity protest with sister union SAG-AFTRA at the UKIE's AGM. As part of the &quot;Game On!&quot; campaign to improve pay and conditions for performers in the games industry, it was organised in solidarity with the SAG-AFTRA strike. EA, Ubisoft, and Microsoft are all members of UKIE.


Boycott of Big Bad Con

A group of campaigners under the name #BigBadBoycott highlighted how the Big Bad Con (a TTPRG convention) had been censoring anti-Zionist lanugage from event programming. After issuing an open letter, they successfully won the issuing of a "pro-Palestine values" statement by the convention organisers and suspended the boycott.


A group of campaigners under the name #BigBadBoycott highlighted how the Big Bad Con (a TTPRG convention) had been censoring anti-Zionist lanugage from event programming. After issuing an open letter, they successfully won the issuing of a &quot;pro-Palestine values&quot; statement by the convention organisers and suspended the boycott.


King Barcelona workers unionise

A group of workers from the King Barcelona office unionised in collaboration with CSVI (Coordinadora Sindical del Videojuego) to fight for fair working conditions, layoffs, and a better future.


Tabletop Workers Union protest union busting by Hex&Co

Workers at three Hex&Co board game cafes walked out and picketed in response to management's union-busting activities. Management's legal representative has called the Tabletop Workers United efforts "the absolute insanity of the woke" and told workers to "go to hell."


Workers at three Hex&amp;Co board game cafes walked out and picketed in response to management's union-busting activities. Management's legal representative has called the Tabletop Workers United efforts &quot;the absolute insanity of the woke&quot; and told workers to &quot;go to hell.&quot;


Workers at Spiders studio call for a strike

An open letter signed by 43 out of the 95 workers at Spider studio in France demanded that the company negotiate with workers. The studio, which makes Greedfall 2, was refusing to discuss long running issues.


Cologne

Ver.di-GDRT Formulates Demands for Fair Conditions in the Games Industry

During devcom and gamescom 2024, the largest games fair in Europe, ver.di-GDRT (Game Dev Roundtable) published a list of six demands for a better games industry. These demands were collectively discussed among game workers and were selected after the results of a nation-wide survey. This was a call for action, and the beginning of a long due collective discussion between workers and company owners. The ver.di-GDRT continues growing and helping workers get organized in their workplace, no matter the size of the studio. Some more works councils have been founded since.


Workers at Techland unionise

Workers employed at Techland have joined Polish Gamedev Workers Union. Technland is the second largest triple A video game studio in Poland in terms of market capitalization after CD Project Red, and is responsible for the development of games like Dying Light and Call of Juarez.


Equity sets recommended minimum rates for video game workers as part of Game On! campaign

For the first time, the actors union Equity, sets recommended minimum rates for workers in the games industry. As part of the Game On! campaign, this is intended to be part of the fight for better pay, terms, and conditions.

The rates are intended to be used at AAA game companies. They include minimum fees for voiceover per hour, motion and performance capture per day, promotion work per hour, overtime per 30 minutes after wrap time, and other rates.


For the first time, the actors union Equity, sets recommended minimum rates for workers in the games industry. As part of the Game On! campaign, this is intended to be part of the fight for better pay, terms, and conditions.
The rates are intended to be used at AAA game companies. They include minimum fees for voiceover per hour, motion and performance capture per day, promotion work per hour, overtime per 30 minutes after wrap time, and other rates.


Electronic Arts Spain workers unionise

A union section has been formed at Electronic Arts in collaboration with CSVI (Coordinadora Sindical del Videojuego).

Workers have formed a section that is a horizontal organisational space with the aim of defending their rights, improving wage conditions and job stability, while fighting together to protect themselves against possible future layoffs, whether due to the rise of new technologies or unnecessary cutbacks.


A union section has been formed at Electronic Arts in collaboration with CSVI (Coordinadora Sindical del Videojuego).
Workers have formed a section that is a horizontal organisational space with the aim of defending their rights, improving wage conditions and job stability, while fighting together to protect themselves against possible future layoffs, whether due to the rise of new technologies or unnecessary cutbacks.


SAG-AFTRA game worker members go on strike

SAG-AFTRA called a strike following a year and half negotiations ending without a deal. The union was bargaining over the new [Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement](https://www.sagaftra.org/production-center/contract/820/getting-started), the[ Interim Interactive Media Agreement or the Interim Interactive Localization Agreement](https://www.sagaftra.org/contracts-industry-resources/contracts/video-game-strike/video-game-strike-interim-agreements) that would have offered agreements offer critical AI protections for members. Workers had previously voted 98.32% in favour of striking over the agreements.

As Fran Drescher, the SAG-AFTRA president explained, "We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse A.I. to the detriment of our members. Enough is enough. When these companies get serious about offering an agreement our members can live — and work — with, we will be here, ready to negotiate"


SAG-AFTRA called a strike following a year and half negotiations ending without a deal. The union was bargaining over the new Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement, the Interim Interactive Media Agreement or the Interim Interactive Localization Agreement that would have offered agreements offer critical AI protections for members. Workers had previously voted 98.32% in favour of striking over the agreements.
As Fran Drescher, the SAG-AFTRA president explained, &quot;We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse A.I. to the detriment of our members. Enough is enough. When these companies get serious about offering an agreement our members can live — and work — with, we will be here, ready to negotiate&quot;


500 World of Warcraft workers form wall-to-wall union

500 developers formed the World of Warcraft Gamemaker's Guild, part of CWA. This wall-to-wall union covers designers, engineers, artists, and producers in California and Massachusetts. It is the second biggest union at Microsoft, following the unionisation of QA workers at Activision Blizzard. The unionisation follows walkouts in 2021.


Ubisoft Barcelona workers unionise

Workers at Ubisoft in Barcelona unionised with support from CSVI (Coordinadora Sindical del Videojuego). They are campaigning for fairer wages, decent conditions, a better future and, moreover, a better present.


Andalusia

Workers at The Game Kitchen unionise

A union section has been formed by workers at The Game Kitchen by CGT in collaboration with CSVI (Coordinadora Sindical del Videojuego).

This section is a horizontal organisational space that aims to give voice to workers, with the aim of defending workers' rights, creating proposals and seeing themselves represented in decision making processes. 


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2025

Launch of united front of videogame worker unions in Western Europe

Workers organise another protest outside Rockstar Edinburgh

Open letter signed by 220 Rockstar workers sent to management over firing union members

Second protest outside Take-Two Interactive following Rockstar union-busting

Protest outside Take-Two Interactive following Rockstar union-busting

Open letter to executive leadership at Build A Rocket Boy

Workers at ZA/UM unionise in the UK

Open letter from IWGB Game Workers criticises UK Video Games Council

2024

IWGB union starts recruiting tabletop game workers

Game workers criticise "reckless decision" by Rockstar to end remote working

2021

Lockwood Publishing workers publicly demand company follow redundancy law

2019

IWGB launches campaign to defend victimised member at ustwo Games

2018

Launch of the game workers branch of the IWGB

First game worker organising meeting in the UK