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Game Developer
Double Fine petitions to unionize
Double Fine, the studio behind Psychonauts and other titles, filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on May 7 to form a union with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The petition includes approximately 42 regular part-time and full-time employees. Microsoft, which owns Double Fine after acquiring its parent company, has agreed to a neutral stance and pledged not to interfere with the organizing process. This move follows similar unionization efforts at id Software and workers on the Diablo series, both under Microsoft. The union aims to preserve creative excellence, diversity, and worker quality of life. The broader context includes Microsoft's recent layoffs and organizational changes. This unionization effort is part of a growing trend in the gaming industry, where developers seek more influence over working conditions. The outcome could set a precedent for how Microsoft handles future union drives and may encourage other studios to organize.
ExperimentConfidence: HighImmediate horizon
Published 12 May 2026, 08:41 UTC1 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Double Fine filed a union petition with NLRB on May 7.
- The union includes around 42 regular part-time and full-time employees.
- The effort is in conjunction with the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
- Microsoft has taken a neutral stance and agreed not to interfere.
- Previous Microsoft studios to unionize include id Software and Diablo team.
- Double Fine is known for Psychonauts and other acclaimed games.
- The union seeks to protect creative excellence, diversity, and quality of life.
Interesting facts
- The unionization occurred shortly after Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard.