Introduction
The World of Warcraft union, formed by the game’s development team of about 500 members, has recently gained traction, particularly after Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision-Blizzard. This union is affiliated with the Communication Workers of America (CWA) and marks a significant milestone in a saga marred by harassment and misconduct allegations at Activision-Blizzard since 2021.
The Path to Unionization
Harassment and Misconduct Reports
In 2021, Activision-Blizzard faced serious allegations of harassment, sexual misconduct, and abuse, which led to a significant number of employees leaving the company. These troubling reports were the catalyst for changes that eventually led to the formation of the World of Warcraft union.
Legal Settlements
Activision-Blizzard settled an $18 million sexual harassment lawsuit with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2022. In the following year, a separate California civil rights suit was settled for $54 million, with an additional $47 million allocated to support employees. Despite these settlements, the company concluded there was “no widespread harassment or recurring pattern or practice of gender harassment.”
Leadership Response
Former CEO Bobby Kotick described the employee complaints as part of “a very aggressive labor movement” and initially showed resistance to union efforts. However, he stepped down after Microsoft acquired Activision-Blizzard, paving the way for a more union-friendly environment.
The Role of Microsoft
Pro-Union Stance
According to World of Warcraft senior producer Samuel Cooper, Microsoft’s acquisition created a more favorable atmosphere for unionization. Cooper explained that Microsoft’s pro-union stance made the process of forming the World of Warcraft union less intimidating: “Legally, a company can’t retaliate against you for organizing. But that doesn’t make it any less scary. It becomes un-scary when you see hundreds of your fellow co-workers out there, side by side with you.”
Building on Past Efforts
Cooper also highlighted that the 2021 walkouts played a crucial role in the union’s formation. These walkouts demonstrated the employees’ ability to mobilize quickly and effect change, laying the groundwork for the current union.
Historical Anti-Union Behavior
Activision’s Resistance
Despite Kotick’s claims of not being against unions, Activision-Blizzard has a history of anti-union actions. In 2022, the company did not recognize a QA union at Raven Software, and the US Labor Relations Board found that raises were withheld from the team as retaliation for their unionization efforts.
Past Controversies
In 2021, a statement from Activision-Blizzard discouraged unionization, using what the CWA called “tired anti-union talking points.” This fraught relationship with the CWA has improved under Microsoft’s ownership, according to Cooper.
Transition to Microsoft
Challenges and Layoffs
The transition to Microsoft has not been without challenges. There were significant layoffs, with 1,900 positions cut across Xbox and Blizzard. This caused considerable distress among Blizzard employees, many of whom had just started with the company. Additionally, Microsoft shut down four studios, including Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin, despite the success of games like Hi-Fi Rush.
Industry-Wide Impact
These layoffs occurred within the context of industry-wide reductions, even as Microsoft invested $68.7 billion in acquiring Activision-Blizzard. The hope is that the World of Warcraft union will protect employees from similar fates in the future.
Looking Forward
Union Support
The newly-formed World of Warcraft union is now supported by the CWA and other video game unions, such as those at Sega and ZeniMax. This collaboration offers a stronger foundation for the union’s efforts and ensures better protection for the employees.
Future Prospects
The World of Warcraft union aims to create a safer and more equitable work environment. The union’s success could set a precedent for other teams within the industry, encouraging more developers to unionize and advocate for their rights.
Conclusion
The formation of the World of Warcraft union is a significant development in the gaming industry, reflecting broader shifts towards employee rights and unionization. With Microsoft’s support, this union has the potential to bring about meaningful changes and ensure a better working environment for its members.
By addressing past controversies and leveraging the more favorable conditions under Microsoft, the World of Warcraft union stands as a testament to the power of collective action in the face of adversity.
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