450 Blizzard Diablo developers vote to unionize under CWA
13 days ago
- #game-development
- #unionization
- #workers-rights
- Over 450 game developers at Blizzard Entertainment working on the Diablo series have voted to unionize under the Communication Workers of America (CWA).
- The union vote concluded on August 27, 2025, with workers joining CWA locals in Irvine, CA (Local 9510), Albany, NY (Local 1118), and Austin, TX (Local 6215).
- The union will represent various disciplines, including designers, engineers, artists, and support staff.
- Mass layoffs at Microsoft were a major factor in rallying the unionization drive, as workers felt insecure despite hard work.
- Blizzard Entertainment has been a focal point for unionization efforts within Xbox Game Studios, with the Story and Franchise development team also unionizing earlier in August 2025.
- Unionization aims to address the 'constant pressure of layoffs' and the 'passion tax' that has hindered workers' rights advancements.
- CWA Local 9510 president Jason Justice highlighted California as a hub for video game worker organizing, part of a broader trend in the entertainment industry.