In a landmark move for the video game industry, the development team behind World of Warcraft (WoW) has formed a union, consisting of approximately 500 members. The union is affiliated with the Communication Workers of America (CWA) and marks a significant chapter in a turbulent period for Activision-Blizzard, the game's parent company.
A Long Road to Unionization
The formation of the union comes after years of controversy and upheaval at Activision-Blizzard. The company faced allegations of harassment, sexual misconduct, and abuse, leading to multiple lawsuits and employee walkouts. The situation culminated in significant settlements, including an $18 million agreement with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and a $54 million settlement with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. Despite these actions, former CEO Bobby Kotick had a contentious relationship with unionization efforts, which he once described as part of "a very aggressive labor movement working hard to try and destabilize the company."
A New Era Under Microsoft
The landscape changed dramatically when Microsoft acquired Activision-Blizzard, with Kotick stepping down as CEO. This acquisition brought a more pro-union stance, creating a supportive environment for unionization. Samuel Cooper, a senior producer at WoW, highlighted the impact of this shift, noting that Microsoft's neutrality allowed the union efforts to become more visible and less intimidating. "Legally, a company can't retaliate against you for organizing," Cooper stated, "But that doesn't make it any less scary. It becomes un-scary when you see hundreds of your fellow co-workers out there, side by side with you."
Collaborative Efforts and Industry Solidarity
The union has already received support from other video game unions, including those from Sega and ZeniMax, who have been present on the Blizzard campus to offer guidance and solidarity. This cross-company collaboration is a testament to the growing strength and unity among game developers in the industry.
Challenges and Hopes for the Future
While the transition to Microsoft has been largely positive for unionization efforts, it has not been without its challenges. The acquisition led to significant layoffs, affecting around 1,900 employees across Xbox and Blizzard. This was part of a broader trend of layoffs in the gaming industry, despite Microsoft's massive $68.7 billion investment in acquiring Activision-Blizzard.
The hope now is that Blizzard's newly-formed union will provide a robust layer of protection for its members, ensuring fair treatment and stability in an often volatile industry. As the union continues to establish itself, it stands as a symbol of resilience and a new chapter for Blizzard's employees.
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