2023: A Pivotal Year in Gaming and Unionization

Politics, News Sept. 21, 2023, 4:40 a.m.

In 2023, the gaming industry saw a surge in video game excellence but also layoffs. Microsofts neutrality in unionization efforts set a groundbreaking precedent, fostering hope for labor reform.

2023: A Year of Transformation in the Gaming Industry

The year 2023 will undoubtedly go down in history as a pivotal moment in the gaming industry. It has been a year of monumental achievements in video game development, as well as a year marked by significant challenges and a growing movement towards unionization within the sector. As we reflect on this transformative year, it's clear that 2023 has set the stage for a new era in gaming.

A Year of Gaming Excellence

One of the standout features of 2023 has been the remarkable quality and diversity of video games released throughout the year. From the enigmatic Lovecraftian fishing adventure "Dredge" to the much-anticipated blockbuster "Starfield" by Bethesda Game Studios, gamers have been treated to an array of experiences spanning various genres. It's a testament to the creativity and innovation that continue to thrive in the gaming industry.

However, amidst the excitement of groundbreaking games, there has been a shadow cast by a wave of layoffs and studio closures. This wave has affected both major publishers and independent game development teams. While 2023 has showcased the industry's potential for creative brilliance, it has also shed light on the vulnerabilities faced by many in the gaming workforce.

The Hope for Unionization

Amidst these challenges, the year 2023 has been defined by a growing push for unionization in the gaming industry. A pivotal player in this movement is Microsoft, the parent company of Xbox, which has been actively involved in a bid to acquire Activision Blizzard for a staggering $69 billion. Microsoft's role in this acquisition extends beyond just financial investment; it carries a promise of neutrality in unionization efforts that could reshape the industry's labor dynamics.

In 2022, Microsoft made a groundbreaking commitment to remain neutral in any unionization attempts within both Activision Blizzard and its own ranks. This pledge was accompanied by a willingness to collaborate with existing unions, such as the Game Workers Alliance and GWA Albany, which represent quality assurance workers at Raven Software and Blizzard Entertainment's Albany studio.

The real test of Microsoft's commitment came in early 2023 when quality assurance employees at ZeniMax Media successfully unionized. Microsoft's decision to honor its neutrality pledge allowed over 300 testers and analysts to join ZeniMax Workers United, making it the largest union in the gaming industry. This development extended unionized labor to Bethesda Softworks teams, including Bethesda Game Studios and id Software.

A Year of Unionization and Labor Activity

The unionization at ZeniMax Media was just the beginning of a broader movement. 2023 saw workers at Sega also taking the path of unionization. Beyond the gaming sector, the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA initiated strikes, demanding improved compensation and safeguards against the utilization of AI in film and TV. SAG-AFTRA was additionally bracing for a potential strike in the gaming industry, focusing on performance capture safety and AI usage concerns.

In the face of the prospect of unionized employees, companies like Sega and Activision Blizzard faced accusations of employing various union-busting tactics, including department reorganizations to hinder unionization and the dismissal of outspoken workers. These actions starkly contrasted with Microsoft's approach, which emphasized neutrality and cooperation with unions.

Microsoft's Pioneering Neutrality

An anonymous Xbox quality assurance employee commended Microsoft for its steadfast adherence to its promises regarding unionization. They acknowledged Microsoft's pioneering role in supporting employees' rights to organize and advocate for fair labor practices, contrasting it with the indifference or opposition displayed by many other companies in the industry. However, they also acknowledged that the bar for positive labor practices had been set remarkably low and that there was room for more substantial change.

The concerns raised by employees included pay disparities between executives and developers, along with the increasing costs associated with lengthening development cycles for major titles. They stressed the importance of a creative and nurturing work environment, highlighting that the industry's success relies on listening to and valuing each other's contributions.

Hope for a Larger Movement

Brock Davis, a test analyst at Blizzard Albany, expressed the hope that more companies would follow Microsoft's example in supporting unionization efforts. He emphasized the strength that solidarity among workers can bring and anticipated positive changes in the industry. While recognizing that the effects of the Microsoft acquisition might take years to fully materialize, he welcomed any faster progress.

A Test of Commitment

Union busting can manifest in various forms, some more subtle than outright opposition to unionization. However, the consensus among those interviewed, including the anonymous Xbox QA employee, was that Microsoft had thus far upheld its commitment to neutrality and cooperation with unions. They underscored that the true measure of Microsoft's groundbreaking stance would be demonstrated when the Activision Blizzard acquisition was finalized and union efforts could commence under Microsoft's banner.

Per the agreement's terms, unionization efforts within Microsoft can begin at Activision Blizzard 60 days after the merger's finalization. This buffer period is designed to accommodate any transitions in power and management.

Looking Ahead

As of the latest update, Microsoft anticipates finalizing the Activision Blizzard acquisition before October 18, 2023, following an extension of the merger timeline due to regulatory scrutiny. For Activision Blizzard's workers, this means that any new union activities under Microsoft's umbrella are likely to take shape in early 2024.

The road to this point has been marked by months of legal challenges, including a case against FLuzala in U.S. courts, and rigorous scrutiny from governments worldwide. The real litmus test for Microsoft's commitment to labor reform will come when the spotlight is no longer focused on the company's acquisition efforts.

The workers we spoke with expressed hope that Microsoft would continue to champion labor rights even after the acquisition is complete. Regardless of the initial intent behind the deal, Microsoft's role has been instrumental in paving the way for unionization within the gaming industry. This door to labor reform must remain open, ushering in a new era of fair labor practices and employee empowerment in gaming.