World of Warcraft Devs Have Officially Unionized

As a long-time gamer and follower of the video game industry news, I can’t help but feel a sense of relief and excitement for the unionization efforts by Blizzard Entertainment employees, specifically those working on World of Warcraft (WoW). The announcement that over 500 of these dedicated individuals have formed the World of Warcraft Game Makers Guild (WoWGG), with support from the Communications Workers of America, is a significant step forward for job security and fair labor practices in this industry.


Unions play a significant role in ensuring job stability, particularly in industries like video game development where employment can be unpredictable. This concept has been acknowledged by the team working on Blizzard’s World of Warcraft, marking a first for the company as they have decided to unionize.

As an avid fan and follower of gaming news, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve come across some exciting developments within the World of Warcraft (WoW) community. According to my go-to source, IGN, this union goes by the name of World of Warcraft Game Makers Guild, or WoWGG for short. With over 500 dedicated members on board, this impressive group includes designers, engineers, and artists – it seems that everyone involved in bringing this beloved game to life is part of the team. Moreover, IGN revealed that this union is affiliated with the Communications Workers of America, which adds an extra layer of legitimacy to their efforts.

Beyond WoWGG, another team of Quality Assurance employees affiliated with Activision Blizzard was established, referring to themselves as Texas Blizzard QA United. Unlike the WoWGG, they won’t be associated with the Communications Workers of America; however, they are still acknowledged as an official entity under Microsoft.

As a passionate gamer, I’ve noticed the gaming world stirring with different opinions regarding unions. Some game studios steer clear of voice actors who are union members. However, it’s encouraging to see Microsoft stepping forward and acknowledging these labor groups. Fingers crossed that this could pave the way for a more unionized gaming landscape. Unfortunately, past budget cuts have cast a shadow of uncertainty over whether these employees will retain their jobs.

Several game corporations, including Activision Blizzard with its infamous reputation, have let go of their workers despite enjoying substantial profits, using the term “budget cuts” as justification.

Microsoft is known for making significant budget reductions, including the closure of successful studios such as Tango Gameworks. This was particularly disappointing given that they were in the process of creating games like Hi-Fi Rush. To add insult to injury, Microsoft then started a new studio to develop a new intellectual property, which made the earlier cost-cutting measures seem misleading.

World of Warcraft is available now on PC, so MMO fans curious about the game should check it out.

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2024-07-30 13:46