Activision's User Research Team Joins Union Wave in Gaming Industry

Raising Voices for Fair Representation

Activision’s user research workers have taken a significant step forward by voting to form a union, marking a pivotal moment in the gaming industry’s ongoing movement towards labor solidarity. The newly created Activision User Research Union-CWA has been officially recognized by Microsoft under their labor neutrality agreement, ensuring a collaborative start to their journey.

An Industry’s Collaborative Stride

Nicolaas VanMeerten, an organizing committee member and quantitative user researcher, expressed excitement at this newfound solidarity among game makers, stating, “We are excited to join our fellow game makers across the video game industry to show what’s possible when workers can freely build solidarity in the workplace.” This sentiment reflects the industry’s growing awareness and responsiveness towards the needs and rights of its workforce.

Learning from the Past

Many in the Activision user research team were galvanized by the layoffs seen in 2023 and 2024. According to PC Games Insider, these events served as a catalyst for workers to unite for a common cause. Maurice Washington, president of CWA Local 9400, emphasized the importance of having a “protected voice on the job,” identifying this as crucial for ensuring that workers receive their fair share.

Building on Solidarity

The formation of this union is part of a broader trend in which industry professionals gather strength to advocate for their rights. The move follows closely on the heels of the United Videogame Workers-CWA formation, illustrating a growing demand for fair treatment and labor representation in the video game sector.

A New Chapter in Worker Advocacy

With Microsoft prepared to meet the Activision User Research Union-CWA at the bargaining table, this new chapter in worker advocacy is set to redefine the landscape of labor relations in the video game industry. As stated in PC Games Insider, this initiative may pave the way for more inclusive and fair dealings across companies, benefiting both creators and consumers.

Stay tuned for more updates on labor movements within the gaming world, as this trend of unity continues to gain momentum.