IWGB Game Workers launches manifesto to reform the gaming industry

The IWGB Game Workers Union, representing over 1,500 game industry workers in the UK, has just launched its first manifesto, establishing a series of essential demands for the sector. The document calls for better working conditions, combating unpaid overtime, greater job security, and fairer wages, signaling the beginning of a true mobilization.

This manifesto comes amidst an alarming sequence of mass layoffs, which in 2023 alone affected over 900 game workers in the UK, with global impacts estimated at over 13,000 cuts in 2024. For the workers who remain employed, working conditions continue to be harsh, with the prevalence of "crunch culture" and unequal pay.

The objectives of IWGB Game Workers are structured around five core values: democracy, solidarity and care, action, education, and equality and justice. They plan to address critical issues such as:

• Union recognition: demanding formal recognition of all members by their employers.
• Work hours and overtime: abolishing forced overtime culture and seeking 4-day workweeks or 6-hour workdays without salary reduction.
• Fair compensation: ensuring annual salary increases, profit sharing, gender pay equality, and equal parental leave.
• Transparency and accountability: promoting salary transparency, executive accountability in acquisitions and layoffs, as well as public data on diversity.
• Job security: protecting workers against layoffs and regulating AI use.
   

According to the manifesto, “the responsibility to transform the industry falls directly on our shoulders. We will not wait for someone else to build the future for us.” IWGB is committed to fighting for a game industry that respects job stability and fair compensation, reflecting a sector where passion is not exploited without proper compensation.

The president of Game Workers, Austin Kelmore, emphasizes that “the game industry has reached a turning point. After another year of battles against a relentless wave of layoffs, workers are realizing the urgent need for change and coming together like never before.” The number of IWGB members grew by almost 50% between December 2022 and 2023, indicating the strength of this movement.

With the manifesto, IWGB Game Workers makes it clear that they are prepared to act towards their goals, seeking a significant change in the industry. And, with more and more workers joining forces, the message is clear: the future of games will be driven by those who live and work for it.