Game developers at Wizards of the Coast, the studio behind the digital versions of Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, are forming a union with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). More than 100 designers, programmers, artists, and other staff are seeking voluntary recognition from management, with a supermajority supporting the effort. They have also filed for a National Labor Relations Board election, offering to withdraw if recognized by May 1.
Key Issues Driving Unionization
Workers cite layoff protections, remote work safeguards, generative AI guardrails, sustainable workloads, and clear career progression as primary concerns. The studio, based in Renton, Washington, has faced multiple layoffs, including 30 employees in March 2025 and 1,100 across Hasbro in December 2023.
Return-to-Office Mandate
Rogue Kessler, a designer, said the union drive intensified after a return-to-office mandate requiring remote workers to relocate to Washington or lose their jobs within two years. “We have people living all over the country, and many were hired remotely. They’ve never been to Washington, and now they’re told to uproot their families and move to Seattle or lose their job,” Kessler explained. He added that recent layoffs have left workers “spooked” and seeking robust protections.
AI and Management Responsiveness
Software engineer Valentine Powell said management has not been responsive to worker concerns. “They just aren’t working with the people on the ground level, so unionization is our best effort to rectify that,” Powell said. The union is pushing for AI protections, arguing that AI “consistently shows worse results, takes longer, and harms the end product.” Powell warned that the return-to-office mandate could lead to losing skilled artists and developers. “The people who make your game love making it. They are dedicated to creating outstanding games and keeping communication open with players. Those are the people we are very likely to lose if these initiatives go forward,” Powell said. “I believe unionization is the only thing that will save the games industry.”
Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
