Double Fine staff file union petition with NLRB as part of broader Microsoft developer organising wave
The filing marks the latest move in a series of labour actions across Xbox Game Studios, with the union citing a commitment to creative excellence and worker quality of life.
Employees of the Xbox studio Double Fine have officially submitted a petition to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to form a union with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The application, lodged on 7 May, encompasses all 42 regular part-time and full-time staff members at the studio.
In parallel with the formal filing, the studio is seeking voluntary recognition from Microsoft. The CWA stated that the decision to organise was made to preserve and extend commitments to creative excellence, diversity, inclusion, and the quality of life for workers. The union noted its appreciation that Microsoft has adopted a neutral approach and agreed not to interfere with the workers' rights to organise.
Double Fine, a first-party developer renowned for the *Psychonauts* series, has been part of the Microsoft ecosystem since 2019. Under Xbox Game Studios, the team has released titles including *Psychonauts 2*, the adventure game *Keeper*, and the multiplayer pottery game *Kiln*. The acquisition came nearly two decades after the release of the flagship *Psychonauts* title.
This action at Double Fine aligns with recent unionisation trends observed at other Microsoft-owned developer groups. More than 500 *World of Warcraft* workers within Blizzard formed a union with the CWA in 2024, followed by a wall-to-wall unionisation of the Overwatch team with nearly 200 developers almost a year later. Additionally, quality assurance employees at ZeniMax Studios ratified a union agreement with Microsoft last year.
The specific outcome of the voluntary recognition request with Microsoft remains pending, as does the exact timeline for any potential union election or ratification vote. While the CWA has attributed Microsoft's stance to a neutral approach, independent verification of the parent company's internal position has not been provided in the available sources.
The filing represents a significant development for the gaming sector, highlighting a growing movement among creative teams to formalise their representation. As the NLRB processes the petition, the situation will likely inform future labour negotiations within the broader Microsoft gaming division.
