Magic: The Gathering Arena devs are unionizing to deliver genAI and layoff protections
A cohort of Magic: The Gathering Arena (MTG Arena) developers at Wizards of the Coast have signalled their intent to unionize under the Communications Workers of America (CWA) banner.
The CWA explained a "supermajority" of the MTG Arena development team have signed union cards in support of the cause and have now asked Wizards of the Coast—a subsidiary of toy maker Hasbro—to voluntarily recognize the union.
In an open letter addressed to Wizards of the Coast, the collective broke cover as United Wizards of the Coast—CWA and said they believe unionizing will benefit all workers.
"MTG Arena is a vital part of how the world engages with Magic: The Gathering. We believe that unionizing will increase staff-wellbeing and retention, promote transparency, and ensure equity, and create the healthy environment needed to continue making exceptional products," reads the letter.
"We know the workers that make the game can and should be treated better, and our aim is to show that to the world through our union efforts. We are building the game industry we want to see in the world."
The group claimed that recent decisions taken by Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro leadership have not aligned with the values of their employees.
In response, they are now seeking layoff protections to provide some level of security to staff who "currently live in fear of suddenly losing their jobs," remote work protections, more sustainable workloads, and clearly defined career pathways.
Notably, the group claim they are currently facing increased pressure from management to adopt LLMs and generative AI tools, despite raising "explicit concerns" about the technology. As a result, they wish to establish clear guidelines around generative AI usage.
"We call on Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast to voluntarily recognize our union and to publicly commit to remaining neutral during our unionization efforts—not just toward the MTG Arena team, but to all Hasbro employees and unionization efforts, present and future," continues the letter.
"We believe in building bridges with our peers on other teams, not divisions. Respecting neutrality ensures a fair and democratic process for everyone."
The group has filed an election petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to ensure they are able to form a union "free of management interference," but said they will withdraw that petition if Wizards of the Coast voluntarily recognises the union by May 1, 2026.
