Is the Game Development Unionization Movement at Risk of Being Suppressed?

As we enter 2026, two major stories about unionization in the gaming industry have made headlines, potentially setting the tone for the rest of the year. After years of being dismissed as a joke, the movement to organize labor in the gaming industry has gained momentum, but progress remains slow due to deeply ingrained resistance from industry leaders. The latest developments in the UK and Canada are notable, with Rockstar Games facing legal and political challenges over its firing of 31 workers, and Ubisoft shutting down its Halifax studio, affecting 71 staff members. In both cases, the respective unions are pushing for further investigation, accusing the companies of union-busting actions. While proving retaliation against labor organization can be an uphill battle, these investigations should not be dismissed as pointless, as companies often leave behind incriminating evidence, and disgruntled employees may come forward as whistleblowers. Taking a broader view, the message sent by these events may have a chilling effect on unionization efforts elsewhere, as employees may perceive that organizing did not protect their jobs and may have even hastened their layoffs. The outcome of these cases may suppress unionization efforts, which could be a desirable outcome for companies willing to pay expensive legal bills. The problem lies not with the concept of unions but with the piecemeal and last-minute way they have been organized in the gaming industry. After decades of anti-union propaganda, many employees only consider unionization when facing layoffs or downsizing, by which point it may be too late. Unionization efforts often involve only a fraction of staff from a single company, typically those with the least secure job roles, which weakens their bargaining power. This vicious cycle needs to be broken for industry staff to feel the genuine benefits of unionization. Growing awareness of the importance of labor organization, prompted by the mishandling of harassment and abuse cases and the imposition of rigid back-to-office directives, offers a glimmer of hope. The value of labor organization lies in creating a counterbalance to the financial instability that has plagued the gaming industry, turning staff into stakeholders and encouraging companies to create stable and secure jobs. While union formation is an uphill struggle, it is a worthwhile one, as well-organized unions can ensure equitable treatment, secure benefits, and give employees a voice in decision-making, ultimately benefiting the company and the quality of games produced.