Blizzard must now 'discuss, evaluate, and bargain' its AI usage with its developers

The Blizzard Entertainment union, in collaboration with the Communications Workers of America (CWA), has recently reached a significant agreement with the game developer to regulate the use of generative AI within the company. This landmark contract, which has been in the making for two years, affects approximately 1,900 workers across various studios, including World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, QA, Overwatch, and Diablo.

The agreement brings numerous benefits to these employees, who are currently navigating a period of uncertainty due to Microsoft's recent "reset" that has resulted in over 1,600 job losses and is expected to affect another 1,600 positions. The contract includes wage increases, grievance procedures, a three-day in-office hybrid workweek, just cause protections, remote work, and disability accommodations.

However, the most crucial aspect of the agreement is the requirement for Blizzard to engage in discussions, evaluations, and negotiations regarding the implementation of AI in the workplace before proceeding. This means that Microsoft cannot unilaterally enforce AI usage as it has done in the past at its software development divisions.

Furthermore, the union workers are now guaranteed the right to be recalled into open positions across Blizzard for 14 months from the date of their layoff announcement, along with an additional 4 weeks of severance. QA worker and bargaining committee member Simon Hedrick expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the positive changes will set a precedent for the games industry as a whole, emphasizing that unity in fighting for workers' rights leads to collective victories.