Magic: the gathering studio embraces unionization amid workplace concerns

Wizards of the Coast, the popular digital and tabletop game studio behind Magic: the Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, is poised to become the latest player in the video game industry to unionize. Over 100 game developers, including designers, programmers, producers, artists, and other workers, have announced their intent to join the Communications Workers of America (CWA), citing various workplace concerns.

Push for union recognition

The workers have requested voluntary recognition from Wizards of the Coast, but have also filed for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) as a safeguard. They aim to secure a supermajority of support to justify their demand for recognition.

Protections for remote workers, layoff safeguards, and guidelines for the use of generative AI are among the key issues driving the unionization effort. The studio's recent shift to a return-to-office mandate has also sparked concern among workers, particularly those living outside of Washington state where the studio is based.