Blizzard video game workers ratify union contracts

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Set us as preferred Workers at “World of Warcraft” video game developer Blizzard Entertainment have ratified union contracts after two years of bargaining.The ratification vote means all union-represented Blizzard employees — nearly 1,900 people across all units in the company’s games teams and shared services — will have the same contract language in their respective departments, the union said Wednesday.Blizzard quality assurance workers in Albany and Austin were the first to unionize in 2022, followed by “World of Warcraft” employees in 2024.Last year, workers on the “Overwatch,” “Diablo,” “Hearthstone” and Warcraft Rumble” games teams, as well as the story and franchise development and platform technology units unionized.“This contract marks the beginning of a new era at Blizzard Entertainment, but it doesn’t stop with us,” “Overwatch” bargaining committee member and quality analyst Simon Hedrick said in a statement.

“I believe that the positive change we have won will ripple out and help make the games industry as a whole a better place for workers and players alike.”The Blizzard contracts include wage increases and a hybrid work week of three days in the office, among other provisions, the union said.The contracts also require Blizzard to discuss and bargain over the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace.“We appreciate the dedication and engagement of our represented employees and the bargaining committees throughout this process, as well as every Blizzard employee whose work continued alongside it,” Johanna Faries, Blizzard’s president, said in a statement.

“The ratification of these agreements marks a significant milestone and reflects our shared commitment to continuing to work together in support of our teams and our players.”Blizzard is a subsidiary of S...