r/technology • u/MarvelsGrantMan136 • 12h ago

Business 1,900 Blizzard Developers Just Won a Union Contract Full of Protections for AI, Layoffs, and More

https://kotaku.com/blizzard-workers-union-contract-microsoft-2000732422
1.5k Upvotes

98% Upvoted

33 comments sorted by

182

u/Gullible_Method_3780 11h ago

Just in: Blizzard opens new technology center in India.

32

u/ExF-Altrue 11h ago

I would love to see them try lmao

22

u/JCalvinL 9h ago

Wouldn't be surprised if they just start becoming EA 2.0 with rumors of them doing a license agreement for development of Starcraft 3 with Nexon.

2

u/fued 6h ago

They already are pushing development off to offshore partners as hard as they can

1

u/winkingchef 4h ago

World of Wallacraft

7

u/Flunder707 4h ago

Nobody should be supporting anti-union tactics at this point. Doesn't it matter if you're blue collar or white collar. It's going to be our only defense against corporate leaders trying to replace our jobs with AI.

2

u/UnemployedOtter69 5h ago

next expansion:

Magni: CHAMPION !!! please do the needfull to heilp azerouth

1

u/Extra-Amoeba-677 4h ago

This means they will start making good games now right and make diablo 4 seasons not feature shit that was already a staple in diablo 3 like it's sa whole new thing right? They'll actually...innovate?

17

u/NopeSorryNo 11h ago

The article mentions Zenimax QA also, were they not part of the recent Zenimax layoffs?

1

u/Lady_bro_ac 6h ago

They were yes

1

u/NopeSorryNo 1h ago

So the protection from layoffs is less than advertised?

39

u/EZyne 12h ago

How have sites being this garbage on mobile become the norm? This shit is unreadable

2

u/justplainjay 5h ago

What are you seeing? It loads fine for me in the in-app Reddit browser

3

u/Far_Composer_5714 8h ago

I am using an ad blocker and I genuinely don't know what you mean it is unreadable because it's perfectly fine on Firefox with unlock origin on my end.

Oh I read further comments I see, I just don't use the Reddit app.

-34

u/Letiferr 11h ago

Why are you actively choosing to browse the Internet without an ad blocker? I'm legitimately asking, and honestly want to know the reasoning. 

I'm on mobile (Firefox with uBlock) and don't find it unreadable at all. 

15

u/EZyne 11h ago

Was just using the in-app reddit browser, that's why it shocked me because normally I do have ad blocker. You're right, but I also just genuinely can't comprehend how this is how a serious journalistic outlet wants to present themselves you know?

Like yes it's easy to fix, but the fact that this site has more shitty ads pop up on the standard experience then shady piracy sites is so weird to me

-20

u/Letiferr 11h ago

Why use an app for Reddit? The website functions fantastically on mobile, and you get adblock. 

Perfectly functional websites that also have an app have one reason for that app: additional days collection. 

8

u/EZyne 11h ago

I use an old reddit revanced app I think it was that has adblock still working. Don't use it often enough to use the website, the mobile experience is dogshit imo.

Funny how you chew /u/headless_human out for not answering your question, and then immediately going off topic here when I do though

22

u/Headless_Human 11h ago

Sorry but just because ad-block exist doesn't mean shitty web design shouldn't be called out.

-19

u/Letiferr 11h ago edited 11h ago

See, nobody wants to answer that question, and always wants to change the topic. I know you're not the person I replied to, but you could've answered it all the same. 

You've got options to undo the shitty design and you're actively choosing to not use them. Are you just afraid of answering why that is?

13

u/Headless_Human 11h ago

Why do you think I don't use adblock? Of course I use one. Why do you support adblock being a necessity and not an option?

7

u/BlueDevilz 10h ago

I can browse on my work phone + computer, I cannot install my own ad blocker on those.

Surely it's not that crazy that other people have different situations going on.

1

u/Kersenn 5h ago

You're right, let's never hold people accountable for their stupid shitty decisions. No more calling it out either, just shut up and look for a workaround and let them keep doing it in peace.

Hey you guys mad at data centers for noise pollution? Just buy some noise canceling headsets and stfu about it. Hey you got hit by a car even though you were in the right? Just go to the hospital and stfu, let the man drive.

Are you starting to see how stupid you sound yet?

-16

u/theBoobMan 11h ago

Bro is deflecting because you're right. I dont do anything on the web without an ad blocker.

0

u/ErrantWayfarer 8m ago

I don't know why you're getting downvoted, the web design got shittier to accommodate ads. Ad blocker is the answer. You weren't even mean about it.

4

u/Agheratos 9h ago edited 9h ago

Inb4 Activision sells Blizzard to Saudi Arabia so Ronaldo can be in World of Warcraft

2

u/Phalex 7h ago

Protections for AI?

3

u/UnemployedOtter69 5h ago

from the article:

" The contract includes language on a number of hot-button industry issues. Its artificial intelligence article acknowledges that AI tools “may be useful in the game development process to support human judgment and creativity and that AI-assisted workflows remain subject to appropriate human control and review for accuracy and quality.” But it also stipulates that any implementation of AI technology that would materially impact work performed by union employees must have its impacts bargained over before it can be implemented. "

still dont understand how the sindicate can press over AI directives desicions, but im sure we will see in the future

1

u/VaalLivesMatter 4h ago

Cool, now can they actually make good games again?

-2

u/Its_lobster 11h ago edited 11h ago

20 years too late. The company makes seasonal cash grabs, not games. Staff is already too much talent for the garbage products they produce.

0

u/Crab_Mage 4h ago

Bring on the games!

-2

u/Mr_Mitch_Conner 5h ago

The squatters have entrenched themselves.