Following widespread layoffs and the cancellation of forthcoming projects, an increasing number of Blizzard employees are organizing under the Communications Workers of America.
Blizzard Entertainment staff continue to press for better workplace rights. Months after the Warcraft Rumble team was nearly entirely let go and the game’s development halted, the remaining developers—together with members of the Hearthstone team—voted to form a union. The effort now encompasses more than 1,900 company employees.
According to the CWA, the new unit includes over a hundred workers — engineers, designers, artists, QA testers, and producers. This marks the fifth Blizzard group to unionize following a recent vote by the Diablo team. Microsoft, which owns the publisher, has officially recognized the union.
The organization released statements from developers who backed the move.
“Many of my colleagues raised concerns individually, but it’s easy for companies to ignore lone voices. We decided to unite to create a collective voice and the kind of solidarity the industry can’t overlook.”
“I support the union because we deserve to be heard and respected. We need tangible solutions—not free counseling or advice to relocate. We’re tired of chronic overtime, of being undervalued, and of being forced into impossible choices.”
Meanwhile, Microsoft reported record financial results for 2024, with revenue reaching $245 billion. The CWA has pointed to this contrast while criticizing recent layoffs and the worsening of workplace conditions.
Source: iXBT.games