In a landmark moment for the video game industry, the first-ever North American industry-wide union, named United Videogame Workers (UVW-CWA), was announced earlier this week at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025 in San Francisco. This historic formation represents a significant step forward for employees in an industry that has faced increasing scrutiny and a recent surge of layoffs.
The union is part of an ongoing movement advocating for better treatment and working conditions for video game workers, a movement that has gained traction recently as major gaming companies grapple with restructuring and staffing cuts. With companies like NetEase and The Callisto Protocol developer Striking Distance Studios announcing layoffs, the urgency for a united front amongst workers has never been more pressing.
In addition to addressing job security concerns stemming from these layoffs, UVW-CWA is opening its doors to any video game worker in the United States or Canada, regardless of their employment status or company affiliation. This inclusive approach is designed to create a sense of community and solidarity among workers across the industry. Furthermore, individuals who have already lost their jobs are welcome to join, marking the union as a platform for collective action and support.
United Videogame Workers was formed in collaboration with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the American Federation of Musicians to foster a support network for gaming employees. According to the union’s mission statement, the goal is to "take back our lives, our labor, and our passion from those who treat us like replaceable cogs; to empower our fellow workers" and unify all sectors within the video game landscape.
Comments from Tom Smith, the senior director of organizing at CWA, highlight the importance of this collective action. "The creation of this union was not done in isolation; it's a cumulative effort by the thousands of video game workers who have been fighting for years to redefine what it means to stand together and reclaim power in one of the largest and highest-grossing industries on the globe," he stated in a press release.
The momentum towards organization within the gaming field gained initial traction during roundtable discussions at GDC 2018, which eventually led to the formation of Game Workers Unite. This evolution of thought inspired workplace initiatives in recent years, culminating in the establishment of UVW-CWA, illustrating a collective desire for transparency, communication, and above all, respect.
At this year's GDC, not only was the union formally announced, but UVW-CWA is also planning to hold multiple panels and host a rally as part of its efforts to raise awareness about the new union and education regarding labor organizing in the industry. Attendees at GDC will find a booth where they can pick up information about how to join UVW-CWA, along with a magazine dedicated to outlining the union's goals and initiatives.
The urgency for such unionization efforts cannot be overstated, as the industry faces an ongoing voice actor strike, which has just entered its eighth month. Last year's strike spotlighted issues around adequate pay and protections against the increasing encroachment of AI on creative jobs, making the establishment of a strong retrospective union particularly timely.
The announcements at GDC come amid heightened tensions within the industry, as major players like Bethesda Game Studios forged ahead last year in becoming unionized with CWA’s assistance. This may pave the way for other companies to follow suit, subsequently increasing the vitality of worker representation within the gaming sector. Additionally, the CWA has taken a stand against Microsoft's alleged firing of QA testers linked to their attempts to unionize, demonstrating a commitment to defending workers' rights.
As the gaming industry continues to navigate shifts in labor dynamics and address challenges posed by corporate restructuring, the formation of UVW-CWA exemplifies hope for fair treatment and empowerment of game workers. In the coming days, updates and details on joining the newly formed union will be readily available on the GDC show floor, reinforcing the idea that everyone within the industry deserves to have their voice heard.
The creation of United Videogame Workers marks a significant transformation in the landscape of labor relations in the gaming industry. While challenges lie ahead, the determination of workers to stand together shows promise for improved future conditions and how they are treated within one of the fastest-growing entertainment sectors.
