Employees at Blizzard Albany (formerly Vicarious Visions) have accused Activision Blizzard of undermining organizational building efforts.
According to the Albany Game worker Alliance, a group that gathered to have better working conditions at the studio, the US publisher has hired Reed Smith – an organization that provides services to avoid unions, to prevent recognition of the company. group.
“Instead of following Microsoft’s lead and committing to a labor-neutral agreement, Activision made the clear and conscious decision to deny our fundamental labor rights while once again spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a company that sabotages the union,” the group said.
Activision Blizzard has trouble with the Albany Union.
Those involved also said that Activision Blizzard had “chosen to delay the recognition of the union” in an attempt “to disband the organization”. However, the group remains “ready to engage effectively with management if Activision Blizzard management is committed to complying with labor standards”.
In response to the GWA’s allegation, a spokesperson for Activision Blizzard said that the company is seeking to hold a vote on unionization for employees at Blizzard Albany. “Given the significant impact this change could have on approximately 150 people in Albany, we believe every Albany employee working with IP Diablo passed a decision made by less than 15% of employees. members” – the notice said.
Activision Blizzard is also accused of making similar moves to avoid consolidation at its subsidiary Raven Software. During the voting process, the game maker told staff that the alliance would affect game development, potential benefits, and advancement opportunities. Employees also said they had received emails urging “please vote no”.
Revenue chart of US game company
The US National Labor Relations Board also said that the company unlawfully threatened its employees during discussions about wages and working conditions that took place inside internal channels.
Activision Blizzard said in a statement at the time: “While we respect the NLRB process, we are disappointed that the decision could significantly affect the future of the entire studio as it affects less than 10 studios. % Staff”.
However, in June, the company officially recognized the alliance organized by Raven Software and CEO Bobby Kotick confirmed that negotiations with US Media would begin.
Diablo Immortal is helping to boost Activision-Blizzard’s revenue amid declining game spending. The publisher reported a significant drop in revenue in the popular mobile games business, which helped Blizzard’s earnings skyrocket 462% year-over-year. With the help of Candy Crush and Call of Duty Mobile, its sales boosted the company’s total mobile earnings.
In Q2 2022, mobile generated $831 million and accounted for 51% of total quarterly earnings. Mobile beats all other segments combined including console ($376 million), PC ($332 million) and other, including Overwatch distribution, Call of Duty League ($105 million).
