Particle.news
Download on the App Store
7 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

Overwatch 2 Developers Unionize, Marking Second Wall-to-Wall Union at Blizzard

Nearly 200 Blizzard employees join the Communications Workers of America, as Microsoft recognizes the union and contract negotiations loom.

Image
Image
Image
Overwatch's Zarya flexing

Overview

  • The Overwatch Gamemakers Guild-CWA includes nearly 200 developers across disciplines like art, QA, design, and engineering.
  • This is Blizzard's second all-department union, following the World of Warcraft team's unionization in July 2024.
  • Microsoft has officially recognized the union, making its members part of CWA Local 9510 in Orange County, California.
  • Unionization was driven by layoffs in early 2024, pay disparities, remote-work restrictions, and the desire for protections against crunch and severance issues.
  • The union now prepares for its first contract negotiations, with concerns over potential delays based on Microsoft's history with other studio unions.