The United Videogame Workers union has been launched at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025, in collaboration with the Communication Workers of America (CWA)
This week's Games Development Conference 2025 saw the introduction of the United Videogame Workers union in collaboration with the Communication Workers of America (CWA).
The UVW-CWA stands as the first union of its kind for game developers in North America, aimed at various sectors, not confined to one workplace.
Eligibility to join extends to all professionals in the industry, including artists, writers, designers, QA testers, and programmers, whether working full-time or freelance.
Individuals who have been laid off, or are in the process of establishing unions within their workplaces, are also encouraged to participate.
The union's website outlines its demands for employers:
- Emphasis on long-term employment over cyclical hiring and layoffs
- Ample notice before layoffs occur
- Compensation following layoffs
- Enhanced severance packages
- Prolonged health benefits for those who are laid off
- Hiring priority for former employees when rehiring
- Employee influence over generative AI technology use
Addressing widespread layoffs, the UVW-CWA's inaugural campaign highlights the loss of over 10,500 gaming roles in 2023, with another 14,600 disappearing in the last year. The GDC State of the Game Industry report indicated that 41% of developers faced layoffs in 2024.
As part of its launch activities during the GDC, members distributed a petition calling for improved job stability in the gaming sector, alongside conducting panels, hosting a rally, and celebrating with a launch event, according to IGN.
"This union is the product of a collective effort by numerous video game workers committed to reshaping industry power dynamics," remarked Tom Smith, senior director of organising at CWA.
He emphasized the courage and unity of these workers as they strive to empower those who create beloved games.
CWA president Claude Cummings Jr. commented on the establishment of UVW-CWA as a pivotal advancement for labor advocacy in gaming, noting: "With the merging of game studios, the pivotal role of creative staff has been overshadowed by a relentless cycle of hiring and layoffs, focused on short-term gains rather than sustainability."
Last year, major developers such as Bethesda Game Studios and Activision Blizzard saw hundreds of employees join CWA and form unions.
The announcement of UVW-CWA comes amid ongoing efforts by SAG-AFTRA for over 160,000 video game actors concerning AI usage.
A recent announcement from the union highlighted challenges regarding regulatory loopholes negotiated by corporate representatives from companies like Activision, EA, Insomnia Games, Take-Two Interactive, and WB Games.