- Blizzard workers have ratified a historic union contract that includes guardrails around AI usage, layoff protections, and remote and hybrid work benefits.
- The new contract, which covers 1,900 employees across the Microsoft subsidiary, sets a new industry standard according to union members represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
- The contract delivers wage increases, a three-day hybrid work week, remote working and disability accommodations, and grievance procedures.
- In an industry first, the contract gives laid off workers the right to be "recalled" into open positions across any Blizzard bargaining unit within 14 months after their layoff was announced.
- The contract has been ratified days ahead of BlizzCon—Blizzard Entertainment’s flagship gaming convention in Anaheim, California.
- After two years of bargaining, nearly 1,900 video game workers have won a breakthrough first contract, whose terms will now extend to all units across Blizzard’s game teams and shared services.
- The union contracts reinforce several workplace benefits that set industry-wide standards for video game workers in the United States.
- Workers have also secured an extra 4 weeks of severance for union workers regardless of their tenure.
Blizzard Entertainment workers represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) have ratified a historic contract, marking a significant milestone for the video game industry. This contract, covering 1,900 employees, introduces groundbreaking provisions including AI guardrails, layoff recall rights, and hybrid work arrangements.2
After two years of negotiations, the contract establishes wage increases, a three-day hybrid work week, and protections for remote work and disability accommodations. Notably, it mandates that Microsoft must discuss and evaluate the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace.3
In an industry first, the contract grants laid-off workers the right to be recalled into open positions within 14 months of their layoff announcement. Additionally, union workers will receive an extra four weeks of severance, regardless of tenure.4
CWA President Claude Cummings, Jr. stated, “CWA members at Blizzard are leading the way for all Xbox studios, showing what can be achieved when video game workers have a strong voice.” Blizzard President Johanna Faries echoed this sentiment, calling the ratification a significant milestone for the studio.
The contract's ratification comes just days before BlizzCon, Blizzard's flagship gaming convention, highlighting the importance of this achievement for the company and its employees.
“The contract, ratified after two years of bargaining, grants laid-off workers recall rights to open positions across any Blizzard unit within 14 months, plus four extra weeks of severance regardless of tenure. CWA president Claude Cummings Jr. said Blizzard workers are "leading the way" for all Xbox studios.”
