Home / Business and Economy / Game Workers Strike at The Game Awards
Game Workers Strike at The Game Awards
15 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Workers protested outside The Game Awards over industry greed.
- Over 40,000 layoffs have impacted the industry recently.
- Union claims better worker rights lead to better games for players.
As The Game Awards ceremony unfolded, unionized game workers gathered outside to protest what they call 'greed' within the industry. The United Videogame Workers (UVW) voiced concerns over tens of thousands of recent layoffs and the pervasive use of AI in game development. They highlighted that the industry's focus on profit over people leads to games being "sold for parts" for short-term financial gain, neglecting the creative aspect of game-making.
The protesters pointed to the significant number of job losses, exceeding 40,000 in recent years, and alleged union-busting tactics by major studios. They believe that prioritizing worker rights, including protections against layoffs and the guaranteed provision of healthcare, directly contributes to a healthier and more innovative gaming environment. This, they argue, benefits players by reducing buggy releases and game cancellations.
The UVW expressed a deep love for the gaming medium and a desire to improve its working conditions. They recognized The Game Awards' platform for celebrating achievements and supporting independent studios. Their call to action emphasizes continued organizing for better workers' rights, aiming to foster a more sustainable and ethically driven future for the entire games industry.
