Overwatch 2 developers form a union for better working conditions

The Communications Workers of America (CWA) announced that nearly 200 Activision Blizzard developers behind Overwatch 2 have formed a union.

The Overwatch Gamemakers Guild (OWGG) consists of developers from design, production, engineering, art and more.

Microsoft has recognised the union as members of CWA Local 9510 in Orange County, California. According to the CWA press release, the tech giant now has over 2,600 workers who are part of a union following the labour neutrality agreement back in 2023.

Foster Elmendorf, Senior Test Analyst II and Organising Committee Member, said: “After a long history of layoffs, crunch and subpar working conditions in the global video game industry, my co-workers and I are thrilled to be joining the broader union effort to organize our industry for the better, which has been long overdue.

“Workers organising themselves and striving for better conditions as a group allows us to present initiatives that would not only improve our workplace, but [also] video games overall.”

The developers behind Overwatch 2 have recently been releasing non-stop content for the game. This includes arguably its biggest update yet with Stadium, alongside the ongoing changes the developers are discussing and launching with the game’s various modes.

Developers have unionised for several reasons. These include recent industry layoffs across development, as well as increasing concerns surrounding A.I and working conditions.

“I’m organising because I believe in this company, our teams and the work we do together. Unionising is about having a seat at the table so that we can work with leadership to build better, more sustainable working conditions,” said Jess Castillo, Senior Test Analyst II and Organising Committee Member. 

“Ultimately, when we’re supported and thriving, we can deliver the best possible experiences to our players, which is what brought all of us here in the first place.”

This is the latest move by CWA to improve working conditions for game developers in North America. Earlier in March this year, the CWA launched the United Videogame Workers, an industry-wide union specifically for game developers with nearly 500 members.

“California continues to be a hub for video game organizing, and we are excited to welcome Overwatch game developers to CWA alongside our video game union siblings at World of Warcraft and SEGA of America,” said Jason Justice, CWA Local 9510 President. “When workers come together to build power, we become able to ensure a brighter future for all.”

This could have long-standing effects on the quality of content being added to Overwatch 2. As developers argue that better working conditions can result in ‘better experiences,’ any changes implemented can impact core gameplay, which can potentially extend to the esports scene.