Wednesday, 2 April 2025
27.6 C
Singapore
35.5 C
Thailand
27.4 C
Indonesia
27.3 C
Philippines

Activision’s QA workers lead the way in video game unionisation

The unionisation of Activision's QA department, assisted by the CWA, establishes the largest video game union in the US.

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 โ€“ 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 โ€“ CWA, is a step towards a more equitable and just working environment in the gaming industry.

Hot this week

Samsungโ€™s new AI fridges help find lost phones and control smart homes

Samsung's new AI-powered fridges can help you find lost phones and control smart home devices with voice commands, making life easier and more connected.

Elon Muskโ€™s xAI acquires X for US$33 billion in an all-stock deal

Elon Muskโ€™s xAI acquires X in a US$33 billion all-stock deal, merging AI with social media for smarter user experiences.

RedCurl group linked to new ransomware strain in first documented attack

Bitdefender uncovers RedCurl's first ransomware campaign, revealing QWCrypt's unique tactics and the group's evolving cyber threat model.

Canon unveils new cameras and lens to support content creators’ video needs

Canon unveils video-focused EOS R50 V, PowerShot V1, and power zoom lens to support creators with new filming and livestreaming features.

China-aligned hacker group FamousSparrow resurfaces in cyberattacks

ESET finds China-linked hacker group FamousSparrow still active with upgraded tools, targeting institutions in the US, Mexico and Honduras.

Zelle is removing its stand-alone app

Zelle is shutting down its stand-alone app, but you can still use the service through your bankโ€™s app. Hereโ€™s what you need to know.

Apple may launch an AI-powered Health app with a coaching feature next year

Apple may introduce an AI-powered Health app with coaching, food tracking, and fitness guidance in 2026, possibly as a new subscription service.

These robot vacuums are getting smarter with Apple Home support

Appleโ€™s iOS 18.4 update adds Matter support for robot vacuums, enabling control via Apple Home. Roborock, iRobot, and Ecovacs are updating their devices.

Gmail introduces easier encryption for business emails

Google introduces a new encryption model for Gmail, making it easier for businesses to send secure emails without special software or certificates.

Related Articles