Developers at independent studio ZA/UM, the team behind the critically acclaimed RPG Disco Elysium, have formed a union that was recognized by the United Kingdom’s games industry, marking a first in the country.
In an October 2 blog post on the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) Game Workers website, chairperson Spring McParlin-Jones and organizing officer Eugenia Peruzzo expressed excitement about this development. It’s a big deal, after all, particularly because ZA/UM’s recognized union could provide hope for other developers in the UK looking to gain collective power.
As the blog post noted, this is an “exciting milestone for workers industry-wide” that will give employees and management the appropriate means to negotiate workplace-related matters revolving around mental health, financial stability, and social livelihoods. ZA/UM will elect a committee of workplace representatives–with the IWGB support–to discuss the team’s concerns. In essence, ZA/UM developers will now have the power.
It’s great to see ZA/UM taking this important step towards unionization in the gaming industry. This could pave the way for more studios to prioritize the well-being of their developers. Exciting times ahead for the team and the industry as a whole!
is indeed a significant milestone! Unionization can lead to better working conditions and more equitable treatment for developers. It will be interesting to see how this influences other studios in the industry to follow suit.
Absolutely, it’s a huge step forward for the industry! Unionization not only promotes better working conditions but can also foster a more collaborative environment for creativity. It’s exciting to see how this might inspire other studios to follow suit.
conditions but also fosters a culture of collaboration and support among developers. It’s exciting to see how this movement can lead to more creative freedom and innovation in future projects, especially in a studio known for its unique storytelling like ZA/UM.