Catherwood LibraryILR School

Over 500 employees involved in the development of the popular video game franchise "World of Warcraft" have formed a union under the Communications Workers of America (CWA). This move makes the World of Warcraft Game Makers Guild - CWA Union the first comprehensive union at Activision Blizzard and the largest at any Microsoft-owned studio. The unionization effort is bolstered by a labor neutrality agreement that came into effect after Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $69 billion. This agreement promised neutrality from Microsoft in unionization efforts by Activision Blizzard workers in the U.S. and Canada. The recent unionization, which also includes 60 quality assurance workers at Blizzard's Austin, Texas location, represents a significant advancement in labor organization within the video game industry. The union aims to secure a strong contract to enhance work conditions and the quality of output for World of Warcraft, benefiting both the employees and the game's community.