In a powerful move for labor rights, over 450 game developers at Blizzard have officially unionized, representing one of the largest worker solidarity efforts in the gaming industry. The new union, which includes game developers, artists, designers, engineers, and support staff across the Diablo franchise, has voted to be represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

The motivation behind this collective action stems from growing concerns about job security and workplace conditions, particularly in the wake of significant layoffs at Microsoft and Activision Blizzard. Earlier this year, Microsoft cut approximately 9,100 employees, while Activision Blizzard and Xbox saw 1,900 job losses in 2024.

Kelly Yeo, an organizing committee member for the Diablo union, powerfully articulated the team’s sentiment: “With every subsequent round of mass layoffs, I’ve witnessed the dread in my coworkers grow stronger because it feels like no amount of hard work is enough to protect us”.

This unionization is part of a broader movement within the tech and gaming industries, where workers are increasingly organizing to demand better compensation, job protections, and workplace standards. The Diablo team joins over 3,500 Microsoft employees already represented by CWA unions, including more than 500 World of Warcraft developers who formed Blizzard’s first wall-to-wall union last year.

The collective action signals a significant shift in the gaming industry’s labor dynamics, demonstrating that workers are no longer willing to accept uncertain employment conditions. By joining together, these developers are sending a clear message about their value and their right to fair treatment in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

As the tech industry continues to face disruptions from AI and economic uncertainties, unions like the Diablo team’s represent a critical mechanism for workers to protect their interests and maintain dignity in their professional lives.