United Videogame Workers-CWA (UVW-CWA), the direct-join union established in March last year, now has around 550 members.
A Communications Workers of America (CWA) representative shared the milestone with Game Developer at GDC Festival of Gaming. The union was established by video game workers in the United States and Canada to “build worker power irrespective of studio and current job status.”
Over 100 members were welcomed into the fold within hours of UVW-CWA breaking cover at GDC 2025. Now, we know hundreds more have joined over the past 12 months.
UVW-CWA differs from a shop floor union in that it is open to all video game workers based in the U.S. and Canada and is not limited by the constraints of a certification process. Those interested in joining simply need to fill out an application form and pay their dues.
The union is currently working on pulling together the first ‘Videogame Worker Bill of Rights’ to protect the wellbeing of all workers across the industry.
It has also committed to building large-scale education campaigns about labor organizing in the video game industry, providing legal support and layoff support funds for workers, writing template contract standards, establishing professional development and mentorship programs, and more.
“Our union allows video game workers to present a unified front when dealing with studios and publishers. We are going to create an industry that works for us, one that nourishes its talent and invests in its future, rather than constantly seeking short-term profits,” reads a statement on the UVW-CWA website. “Individually we beg, united we win!”
Game Developer and GDC Festival of Gaming are siblings under Informa Festivals.