Blizzard’s Overwatch 2 Team Unites!

In a groundbreaking move, the talented developers behind Overwatch 2 at Blizzard Entertainment have officially unionized! This exciting news was announced on Friday by the Communication Workers of America (CWA), marking a new chapter for game developers on the Microsoft banner.

A Powerful Collective: Nearly 200 Strong!

The new union encompasses nearly 200 dedicated developers, including artists, engineers, and more—none of whom hold management positions. This momentous union is Blizzard Entertainment's second, following the formation of a similar group by the World of Warcraft team back in July 2024.

Following the Trend: A Wave of Unions in Gaming!

The CWA highlighted that Overwatch developers are the latest group at Microsoft-owned studios to form a 'wall-to-wall' union. This trend of unionization isn't isolated to Blizzard; studios like Activision User Research and ZeniMax Online Studios have also banded together.

Rising Voices: The Need for Change!

This union formation comes against the backdrop of a staggering 20,000 job losses in the gaming industry during 2024, with over 2,000 of those at Microsoft alone, affecting numerous Activision Blizzard King employees. Many developers cited concerns for their job security and the push to address pay disparities as key motivations for their union efforts.

A Brighter Future for Game Developers!

As part of a broader movement, the CWA is also spearheading an industry-wide union for game developers, ensuring that even those recently laid off can join forces for better working conditions. With this wave of collective action, the future looks promising for game developers seeking to reclaim their rights and improve their work environments.

Solidarity in the Face of Adversity!

For many of the developers, the drive towards unionization was sparked by observing the layoffs at Blizzard Entertainment. Workers are now actively fighting for their rights, aiming to abolish restrictions on remote work and creating a more equitable workplace.

What’s Next for Overwatch and Blizzard?

As the Overwatch 2 developers stand united, all eyes will be on Blizzard Entertainment to see how this pivotal move will influence the company’s culture and future projects. Will other studios follow suit? Only time will tell!