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Activision Staff Protest Return-to-Office Policy Amid Growing Industry Labor Tensions

The quality assurance (QA) team for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 at Activision recently walked out in protest against the company’s strict return-to-office policy, which has significantly impacted remote work accommodations many employees rely on. Backed by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), this demonstration reflects escalating frustrations among QA staff, particularly for those with medical conditions who find in-office requirements challenging.

Earlier in the year, Activision implemented a stringent return-to-office mandate for its Eden Prairie, Minnesota studio, marking an end to the remote and hybrid options that had been in place for years. Activision’s largest union criticized the move as a “soft layoff,” noting that it disproportionately affects employees needing medical accommodations. Friday’s walkout, coinciding with the highly anticipated Black Ops 6 release, intensified the ongoing dispute.

Supported by the CWA, employee advocacy group ABetterABK issued a statement condemning the policy as “unequal,” citing the adverse impact on disabled employees and those with medical conditions who rely on remote work. ABetterABK reports that Activision has repeatedly denied accommodation requests, even when backed by medical documentation, and that employees feel the company’s stance undermines their well-being and productivity.

The walkout gained further momentum due to an internal email Activision sent last week in celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The email featured a disabled individual working remotely, a detail ABetterABK claims starkly contrasts Activision’s denial of remote options for their staff with medical needs. Activision’s QA team, also involved in the success of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, which was completed remotely, believes the policy shift disregards the proven effectiveness of their prior remote workflows.

In response to the backlash, an Activision spokesperson acknowledged to Eurogamer that the return to office has been “an adjustment for some.” However, the company insists it is working through an “interactive process” with those requesting accommodations—though QA employees report no meaningful policy changes thus far.

This protest highlights a broader labor movement across the gaming industry, which has seen a substantial shift towards unionization this year. With companies like Bethesda Game Studios and Blizzard witnessing similar pushes for worker rights, Activision’s struggle reflects wider industry tensions amid an estimated 13,000 layoffs in 2024 alone, showcasing a landscape in flux for gaming professionals.