Double Fine Productions Joins Growing Unionization Trend at Microsoft

Introduction

On May 7, Double Fine Productions—the acclaimed developer behind Psychonauts, Keeper, and Kiln—filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to unionize, marking the latest chapter in Microsoft’s evolving labor landscape. The studio, which has operated under the Xbox Game Studios banner since 2019, is seeking to organize all 42 of its regular part-time and full-time employees. This move aligns with a broader push by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) to secure workers’ rights across the video game industry.

The Unionization Move

Double Fine’s decision to unionize was coordinated with the CWA, the largest media labor union in the United States. The CWA has been a vocal advocate for workers’ rights at Microsoft and has already helped establish locals at other Microsoft-owned studios, including Activision and Zenimax. According to a statement from the CWA, the workers at Double Fine are forming a union “to preserve and extend the studio’s commitments to creative excellence, diversity and inclusion, and worker quality of life.” The petition requests voluntary recognition from Microsoft and seeks representation through the NLRB.

Key Details of the Petition

• Date Filed: May 7, 2023 (as reported by Aftermath)
• Number of Employees: 42 (regular part-time and full-time)
• Union: Communications Workers of America (CWA)
• Studio History: Part of Xbox Game Studios since 2019

Microsoft’s Response

Microsoft has maintained a neutral stance throughout the process. In a statement, the CWA noted, “We appreciate that Microsoft has taken a neutral approach and agreed not to interfere in any way with worker’s rights to organize unions.” This neutrality is consistent with Microsoft’s broader labor policy, which has allowed workers at several of its studios—including Activision and Zenimax—to unionize without corporate obstruction.

Broader Labor Movement in Gaming

Double Fine’s unionization effort is part of a larger wave of labor organizing within the video game industry. The CWA has been at the forefront, having helped establish the first industry-wide video game union in North America just last year. Two months prior to Double Fine’s petition, members of the United Videogame Workers of CWA led a march through the Game Developers Conference (GDC) calling for higher standards across the entire industry, encapsulated in a “Game Workers’ Bill of Rights.”

Timeline of Recent Union Wins

1. Blizzard QA Workers (2023): Secured a contract guaranteeing increased pay and layoff protections—three years after negotiations began.
2. Raven QA Workers (2022): Won a contract after three years of negotiations, finalizing in August 2022.
3. Double Fine (2023): Filed petition in May; awaiting recognition and potential negotiations.

Challenges and Next Steps

While the petition marks a significant step, the path to a contract can be lengthy. As seen with Blizzard and Raven, negotiations for better working conditions often take years. Double Fine’s workers are now awaiting Microsoft’s formal response and NLRB proceedings. The studio’s unionization could inspire other developers within Microsoft’s stable to follow suit, further shaping the labor landscape of the gaming industry.

Conclusion

Double Fine’s unionization bid represents a milestone in the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights in video games. With the support of the CWA and Microsoft’s neutrality, the studio’s employees are poised to secure a stronger voice in their workplace. As the industry continues to evolve, this effort may serve as a blueprint for other studios seeking to balance creativity, diversity, and fair labor practices.

For more on unionization at Microsoft, see our coverage of ZeniMax workers and the Game Workers' Bill of Rights.