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From layoffs and return-to-office mandates to challenges around AI and creativity, it\u2019s not all fun and games for video game workers. And now, some are seeking to unionize.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
On April 27, a group of game developers behind the digital collectible card game Magic: The Gathering Arena announced<\/a> the intent to form a union in affiliation with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The group is a part of the gaming studio Wizards of the Coast (WOTC), a division of Hasbro.<\/p>\n The group, which is coming together as United Wizards of the Coast \u2013 CWA, said it reached a supermajority of eligible Arena workers in support for unionization a week before the announcement. The group has since notified leadership at Wizards of the Coast, calling on the company to recognize the union voluntarily.<\/p>\n \u201cAt Wizards, we\u2019re organizing for a say in layoffs, accountability that runs up and down the chain, and a living wage that actually lets people build a life. I\u2019m hopeful about what we can build here and being clear-eyed about why it\u2019s necessary,\u201d UWOTC-CWA member Damien Wilson, a Senior Software Development Engineer for Magic: The Gathering Arena, said in a statement<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The bargaining unit is set to represent more than 100 employees<\/a> at the studio, including game designers, programmers, producers, and artists.\u00a0<\/p>\n In case the union is not recognized voluntarily by WOTC, the group has also filed an election petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The bargaining unit\u2019s letter<\/a> says the group will withdraw the petition if leadership recognizes the union before the end of the business day on May 1.<\/p>\n \u201cWe would greatly prefer to allow the company to willingly engage with us as we proceed however we are filing for an election petition as well to ensure a timely resolution for certifying our union,\u201d the letter says. \u201cShould you agree to voluntary recognition in principle, we are happy to coordinate a third-party card check verification of our super majority support in order to finalize a voluntary recognition agreement.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n