Job insecurity and shifting industry priorities have pushed hundreds of game developers to take collective action at Blizzard Entertainment. As pressures from widespread layoffs and canceled projects mount, employees behind the popular title Diablo have organized under the Communications Workers of America (CWA). This reflects a pattern of growing momentum for unionization across American video game workplaces, especially in large studios known for influential franchises. Industry observers note concerns over workload expectations and strategic changes by parent companies play a key role in this growing wave of labor representation.
Unlike earlier reports focused on the struggles of smaller teams, the Diablo developers’ unionization involves over 450 professionals from diverse roles such as engineering, design, and support. Microsoft’s recognition of this new union after the latest round of voting marks another milestone after its $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Recent years have highlighted the impact of mass layoffs, not only shrinking headcounts, but also intensifying worries about long-term job stability and creative direction, especially after major studio projects like Blizzard’s survival game were terminated. Previous news covered unions at World of Warcraft and Overwatch, yet the pace and scale of recent organizing actions appear more significant than before.
What Drives Diablo Developers to Unionize?
Employees pointed to uncertainty following repeated layoffs as a key reason for unionizing. The process saw hundreds signing authorization cards through a secure online portal, motivated by concerns that their commitment and talent could still leave them vulnerable. Producer Kelly Yeo explained the ongoing atmosphere within the company:
“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.”
Their decision builds on momentum from other Blizzard teams that have also sought union representation in response to similar anxieties about the workplace environment.
Which Issues Will Shape Upcoming Negotiations?
Union organizers outlined several topics slated for contract talks. Priorities include the use of AI in development, changes to crediting practices, and options for remote work. The team will also survey members to identify additional concerns before formal negotiations. Kelly Yeo noted:
“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.”
This suggests a broad agenda extending beyond immediate job protection to touch on the evolving nature of creative work in large studios.
How Is the Labor Movement Expanding at Major Studios?
Alongside the Diablo team, other units at Blizzard—such as the World of Warcraft, Overwatch, and Story and Franchise Development teams—have embraced unionization within the past year. At Microsoft’s wider portfolio, groups at Bethesda, ZeniMax Online Studios, and ZeniMax QA have joined this wave, indicating a significant push for organized labor at both in-house and partner studios. In response to industry-wide layoffs affecting more than 16,000 workers since 2023, efforts for broader unionization have also begun. The United Videogame Workers union now allows developers across North America to join, regardless of their current employer or job status, signaling a desire for collective advocacy spanning company boundaries.
Rising union activity at Blizzard represents an important phase for labor organizing in the video game sector. The Diablo developers’ move follows a trend of larger studios experiencing both workforce reductions and calls for improved working conditions. Microsoft’s willingness to recognize unions can be seen as a shift in how tech giants engage with organized labor, though whether negotiated contracts can address the root causes of job insecurity and project cancellations remains uncertain. For current and aspiring game industry professionals, understanding the dynamics of workplace representation, as well as the practical challenges of collective bargaining agreements, will be crucial when navigating career choices or considering joining such efforts.
