In a landmark move for the US video game industry, about 600 quality assurance (QA) employees at Activision Publishing have successfully formed a union. This achievement marks a significant milestone within Activision and stands as the largest video game union in the United States to date.
The union formation and Microsoft’s pivotal role
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) facilitated this union formation, and the results of their voting process were officially certified on March 8th. Named Activision Quality Assurance United – CWA, this union emerges as a pioneering force in the gaming industry, especially within Microsoft’s gaming division.
The background of this union formation is crucial to understand. In 2022, Microsoft, which had recently acquired Activision Blizzard, entered into a labour neutrality agreement with the CWA. This agreement greatly simplified the organisation process for employees and its subsidiaries. Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard last year created a new environment favouring unionisation, offering employees a more robust platform to organise and voice their concerns.
The path towards unionisation
The journey of these QA workers towards forming a union has been challenging and inspiring. Tom Shelley, a technical requirements specialist at Activision and one of the key organisers, shed light on this process in an interview with The Verge. He emphasised that the formation of the union was a direct response to the opportunities that arose from the merger, giving them the freedom to organise more effectively.
QA workers, often considered the unsung heroes of the gaming industry, are typically subjected to minimal protection and low pay. Yet, their role is vital, as they test games for bugs and other issues, ensuring a smooth gaming experience. Shelley hopes that Microsoft’s voluntary recognition of their union will inspire further organisation within the company and beyond, setting a precedent for other employees in the industry.
The growing trend of unionisation in video games
The unionisation of QA workers at Activision is part of a growing trend within the video game industry. Last year, Microsoft voluntarily recognised a union of 300 QA workers at ZeniMax Online, joining other unions at Blizzard Albany and Raven Software. These developments indicate a rising awareness and demand for better labour rights and protections within the industry.
However, the path to unionisation has been met with resistance, particularly in the context of widespread layoffs. In 2023, the CWA filed an unfair labour complaint against Sega, claiming the company planned to phase out temporary employees who were part of the Aegis union. Despite these challenges, the unions have made significant progress, with negotiations at Sega managing to save several jobs.
This growing trend of unionisation in the video game industry clearly indicates workers striving for better labour rights and protections. Each new union, such as Activision Quality Assurance United – CWA, is a step towards a more equitable and just working environment in the gaming industry.
