US EditionOverwatch developers have formed their own union to fight for a better industry
- The Overwatch 2 development team at Blizzard unionized as the Overwatch Gamemakers Guild in 2025, including nearly 200 workers across all disciplines.
- The unionization followed multiple layoffs at Microsoft-owned studios starting in January 2024, along with issues like pay disparities, crunch, and work-from-home restrictions.
- The unionization of the Overwatch 2 development team was formally confirmed by the Communications Workers of America, highlighting that a significant majority of members supported the move, making it Blizzard's second union following the formation of the World of Warcraft union in 2023.
- Test analyst Simon Hedrick characterized the layoffs as abrupt and disheartening, explaining that employees were unexpectedly let go with no opportunity to respond, and highlighted ongoing demands for improved workplace conditions.
- The union now must bargain for its first contract amid accusations Microsoft delays negotiations, with members aiming to improve job security and working conditions to support game quality.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Overwatch devs join Communication Workers of America to officially form a ‘wall-to-wall’ union
The unionization movement across Blizzard’s developers has expanded once more, this time across those who work on the hero shooter Overwatch. The Communication Workers of America (CWA) has officially announced over 200 members have joined a “wall-to-wall” union under the CWA banner and known as the Overwatch Gamemakers Guild-CWA (OWGG-CWA). The announcement featured quotes from […]
Overwatch Developers Form Union For A Better Industry
Digital Phablet Overwatch Developers Form Union For A Better Industry Over 200 developers at Activision-Blizzard have united to create a new union: the Overwatch Gamemakers Guild-CWA (OWGG-CWA). The Communications Workers of America announced this development recently and noted that Microsoft has officially recognized the union. The union’s founders highlighted several factors that motivated them to organize, including frequent layoffs in the g…
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