Video Game Workers Protest Firings and AI Usage at The Game Awards
On 11 December 2025, outside LA's Peacock Theatre during The Game Awards, members of the United Videogame Workers (UVW), an industry-wide direct-join union in North America within the Communications Workers of America, held a protest drawing attention to recent layoffs and working conditions in the video game industry.
The protesters displayed a tombstone symbolizing the Future Class talent development programme, carried a banner reading 'We’re Done Playing,' and held 'wanted' posters targeting Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick and Microsoft CEO Phil Spencer. This demonstration came amid industry turmoil where more than 40,000 layoffs have taken place in recent years. Rockstar Games faced allegations of union-busting after firing over 30 staff members, an accusation the company denies. Additionally, the use of artificial intelligence in game development is increasing.
The UVW's demands include protections against layoffs, healthcare safeguards, and prohibitions on replacing human workers with AI, as well as seeking fairer working conditions and sustainable artistic development within the industry. The union views The Game Awards as an important platform to highlight smaller studios and emphasises that the protest is part of ongoing organizing efforts to improve workers' rights beyond this event.
