Video Game Workers Launch First Direct-join Union in North America

The first-ever direct-join and industry-wide union in North America, named United Videogame Workers (UVW), was announced at the 2025 Game Developers Conference (GDC).

From the very beginning, United Videogame Workers has partnered with Communications Workers of America (CWA). It is worth noting that UVW welcomes all video game workers, whether they are freelancers or full-time employees, regardless of their company’s position on unionization.

In a press release, UVW-CWA laid out its mission: to build solidarity within the video game industry, amplify worker voices, and advocate for improved labor practices, especially amidst growing concerns over layoffs and the potential impact of generative AI on jobs. The union’s first major campaign will address the recent wave of layoffs, with plans for a petition and public actions to raise awareness.

In addition to the announcement, UVW, along with CWA, will host a series of events at GDC 2025, including panels, rallies, and a launch party to spread awareness about the new union and what it stands for. A booth will also be set up on the GDC show floor.

The news about the creation of UVW is coming amidst the ongoing SAG-AFTRA voice actors’ strike and on the heels of multiple scandals related to the companies’ efforts to replace live voice actors with generative AI, as well as other game industry workers.