Doom creator id Software has voted to establish a comprehensive, all-hands union, with 165 of 185 employees in favor. The term “wall-to-wall” denotes a union that covers every staff member, regardless of role. The result wasn’t unanimous, but it marks a clear majority backing the move.
The new union will operate in collaboration with the Communications Workers of America (CWA), the same labor group that has supported related efforts involving ZeniMax and Microsoft. Microsoft, which owns ZeniMax, acknowledged the unionization initiative after previous interactions with the CWA and ZeniMax workers last year, setting a precedent for this kind of organization.
Andrew Willis, a producer at id Software and a CWA committee member, described the effort as a crucial step for developers across the industry to challenge unilateral workplace changes pushed by executives. His statement to Engadget emphasized the union’s broader aim of safeguarding workers’ interests.
From the start, the union’s priorities include protecting remote work for id Software staff. Lead Services Programmer Chris Hays pointed out that remote work is essential for health, family responsibilities, and accessibility, and he cautioned against executive mandates on returning to the office without considering well-being. He also highlighted hopes for formal protections around the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
Organizing at id began roughly 18 months ago, with momentum increasing after Microsoft’s involvement last year.
Ron Swaggerty, president of CWA Local 6215, expressed anticipation about negotiating a contract with Microsoft that reflects the talent, creativity, and commitment these workers bring to every project.
id Software’s current project is Doom: The Dark Ages, which received early praise from outlets and recently earned an accessibility award at The Game Awards. The industry discussion around this development story continues as union activity at major studios gains visibility, inviting debate about workers’ rights, company policy, and the evolving role of technology in the workplace.
