In a surprising turn of events, former Blizzard Entertainment VFX artist Rachel Quitevis has come forward, stating that despite being a member of the Communication Workers of America (CWA) labor union, they were laid off by Microsoft. This contradicts the claims made by the CWA, which had stated that none of its members were affected by the recent massive layoffs at Microsoft and Activision Blizzard.

Quitevis reached out to Game Developer to share their story, prompting further investigation into the matter. Game Developer, recognizing the importance of the issue, has reached out to the CWA for comment.

The CWA currently represents numerous employees across various subsidiaries within the newly-merged conglomerate, including ZeniMax Studios, Raven Software, and Blizzard Albany. In a statement provided to Game Developer, the union urged workers in the gaming industry to organize themselves to secure a voice in decisions regarding layoffs.

A spokesperson for the CWA stated, "Microsoft's announcement of laying off 1,900 video game workers highlights the fact that even in a profitable industry, one's livelihood is not safeguarded without a voice on the job. Video game workers deserve their fair share and the assurance of having a say in the impact of job cuts. By organizing, workers in the industry can establish standard layoff protections."

Despite the CWA's claims, Quitevis's testimony challenges the union's position. It is a poignant reminder that union representation does not guarantee protection against layoffs. However, through the collective bargaining process, video game workers can achieve greater transparency, policies that prioritize their needs, and, most importantly, layoff protections, according to the spokesperson.

Wayne Dayberry, a senior QA tester and member of ZeniMax Workers United-CWA within Microsoft, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of unity among workers to protect each other in the face of corporate decisions. He commented, "Companies may claim we're like family, but families don't lay off or outsource members. It is evident that the only way forward is for all of us to unite as workers and protect one another. Union representation can't shield us from all layoffs, but it enables us to establish better transparency and policies that prioritize our needs, including layoff protections."

It is worth noting that the CWA initially opposed Microsoft's merger with Activision Blizzard and called for a close scrutiny of the deal by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). However, after entering into a labor neutrality agreement with Microsoft, allowing workers to unionize freely, the CWA eventually supported the merger.

Data from the GDC 2024 State of the Industry report reveals that while most game developers support unionization, few engage in active discussions about it in their workplaces. Prominent figures within the industry, such as former Bungie chief legal officer Don McGowan, have advocated for unionization to combat deceptive practices by employers.

Game Developer recognizes the significance of this issue and has reached out to the CWA to seek advice on how developers can take the first steps toward unionization. As the story develops, Game Developer aims to keep the community informed.

Chris Kerr, an award-winning journalist and Game Developer's news editor, brings years of experience in the gaming industry to shed light on important events and issues. From attending major industry events to appearing on BBC Radio 5 Live, Chris has been involved in reporting breaking news and providing valuable insights to the community.

As the industry continues to navigate challenges and the need for worker representation becomes more apparent, Game Developer remains committed to providing a platform for discussions and facilitating understanding within the gaming community.