December 16, 2021

The Video Game Industry Needs Unions w/ Gita Jackson

56 minutes

Paris Marx is joined by Gita Jackson to discuss the revelations of sexual harassment and discrimination at Activision Blizzard, how workers have organized in response to them, and what it all could mean for the future of the video games industry.

Gita Jackson is a senior writer at Motherboard, Vice’s tech vertical. Follow Gita on Twitter at @xoxogossipgita.

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Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Follow the podcast (@techwontsaveus) and host Paris Marx (@parismarx) on Twitter, and support the show on Patreon.

Find out more about Harbinger Media Network at harbingermedianetwork.com.

Also mentioned in this episode:

In July, California’s fair employment department sued Activision Blizzard, revealing shocking interal details, including a “Cosby Suite” and harassing prospective workers at a job fair.

In November, it was revealed that CEO Bobby Kotick knew about it and had settled harassment lawsuits. Afterward, workers walked out but the board stood behind Kotick.

The heads of Playstation and Xbox released statements criticizing Activision Blizzard’s leadership.

Workers are now passing around union cards under the name A Better ABK as the company sends anti-union statements. They have also set up a strike fund.

The EA Spouse Letter was written in 2004.

Gita wrote about Comic Book Workers United, the union seeking recognition at Image Comics.

The Mandalorian used Unreal Engine to create virtual sets, and Unity just bought part of Weta Digital to expand its virtual production.

Since recording, Vodeo Games has formed the first video game union in North America.

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