The Rise of OWGG-CWA

The Overwatch team has joined the Communications Workers of America (CWA), creating The Overwatch Gamemakers Guild-CWA (OWGG-CWA). This “wall-to-wall unit” encompasses game developers across all disciplines, including design, production, engineering, art, sound, and quality assurance.

Microsoft has recognized the union after a neutral arbitrator confirmed that the overwhelming majority of overwatch workers indicated their desire for union depiction or signed a union authorization card.

Motivations Behind Unionization

The formation of the Overwatch union is a direct response to industry-wide concerns. According to one committee member, the union was formed in direct response to layoffs, crunch, and subpar working conditions in the global video game industry. These conditions have fueled anxiety about job stability,inspiring the formation of numerous union organizations.

Foster Elmendorf, a senior test analyst II and organizing committee member, emphasized the collective power of workers joining together to strive for better conditions as a group. he added that by forming a union, the team is also able to present initiatives that would not only improve our workplace but video games overall.

The Power of Collective Bargaining

Unions empower workers to collectively bargain with management, advocating for improved rights and protections. These include:

• Layoff protections
• Job security
• Wage increases
• Limits to outsourcing
• Remote work protections

Industry-Wide Union Movement

The formation of the OWGG-CWA is part of a broader trend in the gaming industry. Similar unions have formed at companies including ZeniMax (also owned by Microsoft) and Sega, with oversight from the CWA. These unions aim to protect staff amidst shifting industry conditions.

Jess Castillo,a senior test analyst II and organizing committee member,stated:

I’m organizing because I beleive in this company,our teams,and the work we do together. Ultimately, when we’re supported and thriving, we can deliver the best possible experiences to our players, which is what brought all of us hear in the first place.
jess Castillo, Senior test Analyst II

Moreover, the United Videogame Workers-CWA union has recently been created to protect video game workers, irrespective of their workplace. As industry stability decreases, more such stories are anticipated.