The QA team has won its vote to unionize
Another union has successfully won its vote to unionize at Activision Blizzard. Quality assurance workers at Blizzard Albany have voted 14-0 to unionize.
The team of about 20 QA workers voted 14 yes, with none against and 18 eligible voters. ViaPolygon, the NLRB says three votes were challenged.
Parties involved have five days to file objections. Otherwise, the bargaining process will begin. The account for the union, Game Workers Alliance Albany,tweeted outthe victory earlier today.
— GWA Albany (@WeAreGWAAlbany)June 13, 2025
This makes the QA team at Blizzard Albany the second to unionize under Activision Blizzard, alongsidethe crew at Raven Software. Raven’s QA employees voted to unionize in May this year, marking a major milestone for unionization within AAA studios.
“It took an unbelievable amount of work and perseverance to move this fight forward,” said Blizzard Albany associate test analyst Amanda Deep in astatement via THR. “With this victory, we’re advocating for ourselves and each other because we care deeply about our work and the games we make. Organizing has empowered all of us to fight hard for the dignity and respect every worker deserves on the job.”
Blizzard Albany’s QA workers announced their intent to unionizein July, working with the Communication Workers of America (CWA). The teamreceived approvalto hold its unionization vote from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in October, despite opposition from Activision Blizzard. The publisheralso pushed to hold offon validating the votes until its appeal on the previous decision had been heard. The NLRBofficially denied the request.
A new union in the games industry
Formerly known as Vicarious Visions, Blizzard Albany is working on theDiablofranchise, includingDiablo IV.
An Activision Blizzard spokesperson gaveThe Vergethe following statement:
We are considering all options, with a focus on what is best for all employees and to provide the best games for our millions of players. We still believe our entire Albany team should have the right to vote. This is about fundamental fairness and rights for every member of the team.
This marks the second Activision Blizzard union to form, in the wake ofongoing scrutiny of the publisherand apotential Microsoft acquisitionlooming overhead.
