Last year, Dragon Age: Dreadwolf made history as it became the first video game in Canada to have a union for its Quality Assurance (QA) contractors. However, this milestone has been marred by recent developments. Just last month, it was announced that all 13 QA employees contracted by BioWare, the developer of the RPG, had been laid off. This news comes as a blow to the union and raises questions about the future of workers’ rights in the video game industry.
The decision to unionize was not made lightly by the Keyword Studios employees. The group of 16 QA workers felt that they were being unfairly compensated for their work and were given instructions to return to the Edmonton-based office, which further added to their frustrations. These concerns ultimately led them to vote in favor of unionizing. Unfortunately, it seems that their hopes for better treatment and improved working conditions have been dashed with the termination of their contracts.
According to a representative from the UFCW (United Food and Commercial Workers Canada Union), all 13 QA workers lost their jobs in late September due to the end of a fixed-term client contract. This decision by BioWare has left the workers in a difficult position, particularly as they seek a fair severance package. In response, the union has filed an employment standards complaint against the studio. This mirrors the actions of a group of former BioWare employees who have also sued their ex-employer for what they deem to be an inadequate severance package.
The layoff of the QA contractors is not the only recent setback for BioWare. The studio recently let go of approximately 50 employees, including senior developers with long-standing tenure. This personnel shakeup has been met with resistance, prompting a lawsuit by seven former employees who are fighting for improved severance terms. While these two issues are only indirectly connected through their involvement in Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, they highlight ongoing concerns within the video game industry regarding job security and fair treatment.
In the midst of these challenges, it is important to remember that the affected staff at both Keyword Studios and BioWare are talented individuals who will hopefully find new opportunities. The video game industry is known for its resilience, and it is hoped that lessons can be learned from these experiences to foster a better and more equitable working environment for all. Only time will tell if this setback for Canada’s first video game union will hinder or inspire further efforts to improve worker rights in the industry.
The termination of the contracts for the QA contractors working on Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is a disappointing setback for Canada’s first video game union. It raises important questions about the treatment of workers in the video game industry and highlights the need for continued advocacy and support for fair labor practices. While this may be a difficult time for those affected, it is hoped that their perseverance and the attention brought to these issues will ultimately lead to positive change in the industry.
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