Double Fine (Psychonauts, Kiln) is the latest Microsoft studio to unionize
, by Thibaut
A few days after releasing its multiplayer pottery game titled Kiln, Double Fine Productions decided to join the Communications Workers of America (CWA) union.
The American studio, acquired by Microsoft in 2019, has a total of 42 « regular part-time and full-time » employees. All of them decided to join the petition filed on May 7. This action comes amid a difficult period for the video game industry, which is plagued by layoffs and the closure of numerous studios around the world.
« On May 7, employees at Microsoft’s Double Fine Productions studio announced their decision to unionize with the CWA in order to preserve and strengthen the studio’s commitment to creative excellence, diversity, and inclusion, as well as quality of life at work.
In addition to filing for voluntary recognition with the company, employees have also filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to secure union representation. We appreciate Microsoft’s neutrality and its commitment to not interfere with workers’ right to unionize. »
Source: nlrb.gov