Navigating New Frontiers: The Rising Tide of UNIONIZATION in the Gaming Industry

The unionisation of the games industry is happening. Right now. Over the past five years or so, the games industry has begun to change like never before. For the past couple of decades, the culture and work practices of games developers and STUDIOS was either a mystery or one that was glossed over in such an overwhelmingly exciting, heady and cavalier market. It’s been something we’ve known exists, but chose not to think about. But it appears that better pay and working conditions are now going to be the rule, not the exception Activision, ZeniMax and Sega are just the beginning.

The Genesis of UNIONIZATION in Game STUDIOS

Gaming unionism has slowly been gaining ground, pushing against the status quo and rewriting long-held definitions. It was part of the aim behind the emergence of unions, and the GamesBeat Summit 2024 at least touched on some of it, laying bare some of the new working stories that are already taking place in game development.

The Power of Unity: A Closer Look at Game STUDIO Alliances

Jakin Vela, executive director of the Israel Game Developers Association; and Zeke Alton, a voice actor and well-known critic in the industry, spoke about how unionisation is a process of not only calling for rights, but also removing persistent myths about unions themselves that have tainted their image for far too long. The need for unions, they explained, is to ensure there is collective power voiced to address issues of diversity, sustainability and the notorious ‘crunch’ problem that has plagued the industry.

The STUDIO Perspective: Embracing Change for a Sustainable Future

Responsibility that STUDIO leaders and management have in turning the tides and supporting their employees. Communication between workers and management is important, especially at larger STUDIOS where management can feel removed from those who create games. It reinforced the idea of the industry needing to work together if it wants a future in creating sustainable, enjoyable games for a long time to come.

Indie vs. AAA: The Varied Landscape of STUDIO Engagement

Those at the summit started to talk about the culture of their indie STUDIOS, and how they were often more open than their AAA counterparts to unionisation efforts – after all, an indie studio is (or at least has the potential to be) a creative-led space. But AAA STUDIOS are bound by profit margins and shareholders, and there are many more grey areas than would appear at first glance. This understanding is important. Without it, we risk investing in solutions to problems that won’t stick.

Empowering Voices: The Critical Role of Education and Consumer Support

Another common thread was the need to educate both studio leadership and the consumer base about what labour unions are, and how they’re beneficial. Busting myths and showing how better working conditions and higher standardised quality are good for everyone in the long run would steer the industry towards more ethical practices. Consumers can also play a role in demanding more humane working conditions from game workers. They can help put an end to crunch, push for more diverse employees and leadership, and support workers’ organisations.

Game On: The STUDIO's Path to a Brighter Future

There are obstacles on the road toward universal unionisation in gaming, but there are many opportunities as well. STUDIOS have a chance to build happier, healthier relationships between employees and their managers, while also ensuring the continued growth of the industry. When we unionise, creators will be happier and healthier, and the medium will be stronger for it.

Understanding the STUDIO: A Nexus of Creativity and Collaboration

Unionisation transforms a game development STUDIO into the gathering place for nourishing creativity … The result is a transformative intersection of art, technology and storytelling that creates the immersive experiences the world will pay us to play. Unionisation represents a STUDIO’s approval to create the conditions essential to building a respectful, healthy and supportive place to work. It establishes the idea that working at a STUDIO isn’t a zero-sum game where the growth of others comes at one’s own expense, but rather a thriving ecosystem where everyone’s growth is made possible by the community’s growth. The STUDIOS that unionise aren’t just becoming better places to work, but they’re creating a model for the kind of space the future of gaming desperately needs to become. This is the story we’re writing with every step toward unionisation.