What's Happening?
ZA/UM, the studio behind Disco Elysium, has announced the formation of a union in the UK, known as the Workers' Alliance. The union has been voluntarily recognized by the studio's management. This development comes as ZA/UM is working on its second game, 'Zero Parades,' set for release in 2026. The union aims to foster collaboration between workers and management, ensuring fair working practices. The studio has faced challenges, including layoffs and project cancellations, but is now focusing on new projects.
Why It's Important?
The unionization of ZA/UM reflects a broader trend of labor organization within the gaming industry, which has historically been resistant to such movements. This development could influence other studios to consider similar actions, potentially leading to improved working conditions across the industry. The voluntary recognition by ZA/UM's management sets a positive precedent for labor relations in gaming. The studio's focus on new projects, despite past challenges, indicates resilience and a commitment to innovation in game development.
What's Next?
ZA/UM's unionization may inspire other gaming studios to follow suit, potentially leading to a shift in industry standards regarding labor practices. The release of 'Zero Parades' will be closely watched as an indicator of the studio's ability to overcome past challenges and deliver successful new content. The union's impact on the studio's operations and employee satisfaction will also be a point of interest for industry observers.
