User examine employees at Activision unionize
“It is essential that employees have a safeguarded voice in the workplace to guarantee they receive their equitable portion.”
Employees from Activision’s user research division have opted to form a union.
In a statement, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) announced that a significant majority of the Microsoft-owned staff voted in favor of union representation. Microsoft has acknowledged the union.
CWA indicated that the Activision User Research Union-CWA represents the first group of video game user researchers to establish a union, joining more than 2,000 employees from Microsoft-owned studios in organizing under the company’s neutrality agreement with CWA.
“We are thrilled to unite with our fellow game creators throughout the gaming industry to demonstrate what can be achieved when employees can freely cultivate solidarity in their work environment. Many of us were inspired to take action regarding the layoffs in 2023 and 2024, and now we can support one another through a union,” stated Nicolaas VanMeerten, a member of the organizing committee and quantitative user researcher.
In the video game sector, user research concentrates on understanding players’ views, behaviors, and needs to provide insights to their design teams. By engaging players in their studios, user research helps connect those who create video games with those who play them.
“A union empowers employees to shape an industry that serves them, which is crucial in a field we are passionate about,” added Pat Dimaandal, an organizing committee member and user research moderator. “Employees should not feel penalized for pursuing a profession they love, and that is why we are committed to this.”