What's Happening?
Blizzard's Story and Franchise Development team (SFD) has voted in favor of unionization with the Communications Workers of America. This team is responsible for producing in-house cinematics, animation, trailers, promotional videos, in-game cutscenes, and other narrative content across Blizzard franchises. The move follows similar unionization efforts within Microsoft and Activision Blizzard, including the World of Warcraft team and Overwatch developers. The unionization aims to preserve the unique work environment at Blizzard, ensure transparency in decision-making, and apply policies fairly across the board.
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Why It's Important?
The unionization of Blizzard's Story and Franchise Development team is significant as it reflects a growing trend of unionization within the tech and gaming industry, particularly under Microsoft's labor neutrality agreement. This development could lead to improved working conditions, job security, and fair treatment for employees, potentially influencing other teams and companies to follow suit. It highlights the increasing demand for transparency and fairness in corporate policies, which could impact the industry's approach to labor relations and employee rights.
What's Next?
Following the unionization, the team will likely begin negotiations for their first contract, similar to other unions within the company. This could involve discussions on wages, benefits, and working conditions. The outcome of these negotiations may set a precedent for other teams within Blizzard and the broader gaming industry. Stakeholders, including employees, management, and industry observers, will be watching closely to see how these negotiations unfold and what impact they have on the company's operations and employee satisfaction.
