Almost 1,900 Blizzard workers ratify first union contract with Microsoft

September 9, 2026 - 22:05

Nearly 1,900 workers at Blizzard Entertainment have voted to approve their first union contract with Microsoft, marking a significant milestone for organized labor in the video game industry. The agreement covers quality assurance testers, associate testers, and other support staff across Blizzard's offices in California and Texas. The vote, which concluded this week, saw a strong majority in favor of the four-year deal.

The contract includes an average wage increase of about 8 percent, with some lower-paid roles seeing raises of up to 14 percent. It also guarantees annual cost-of-living adjustments, improved paid time off, and a more predictable schedule for shift work. Workers will now have clearer pathways for promotion from temporary to full-time roles, a long-standing complaint in game testing.

The union, which formed under the Communications Workers of America banner in 2022, had pushed for better job security and protections against sudden layoffs. The new agreement includes a no-layoff clause for the duration of the contract, except in cases of severe financial distress. It also creates a joint labor-management committee to address workplace issues like crunch time and remote work policies.

Microsoft recognized the union voluntarily after its acquisition of Activision Blizzard closed in late 2023. The company has said it remains neutral on unionization efforts across its gaming divisions. This contract is seen as a test case for other studios under Microsoft, where workers have also filed for union recognition. The deal runs through early 2029.