A significant development has unfolded within IGN, where more than 80 employees have initiated steps toward unionization. The newly established IGN Creators Guild revealed today that over 87% of eligible members have formally endorsed union authorization cards.
Choosing to affiliate with the NewsGuild-CWA, this group anticipates voluntary recognition from IGN’s parent company, Ziff Davis, mirroring the precedent set when Mashable and PCMag employees formed the Ziff Davis Creators Guild back in 2018.
Speaking on behalf of the union, IGN senior reporter Rebekah Valentine emphasized the remarkable workplace environment at IGN while underscoring the necessity for enhanced support for the talented creators, particularly concerning competitive compensation and adequate leave entitlements.
Valentine emphasized the critical juncture the industry faces amidst widespread layoffs and the advent of generative AI. She stressed the importance of safeguarding IGN’s status as an exceptional workplace, not only for the present but also for an envisaged future.
In conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Valentine elaborated on the decision to form a distinct union instead of joining the ZDCG, citing logistical disparities between IGN’s California base and ZDCG’s New York operations. Despite this, she highlighted ZDCG’s staunch support and solidarity with their initiative.
The guild underscored the pressing need for enhanced diversity and representation within the company, recognizing the financial challenges faced by online media personnel amidst a spate of layoffs in gaming journalism over the past year. Additionally, they highlighted the burden on employees residing in high-cost urban areas.
Among its primary objectives, the union aims to advocate for improved compensation, safeguards against layoffs, and concrete measures to bolster workforce diversity.
A clarification was made regarding an earlier version of the IGN Creators Guild announcement, adjusting the figure from 85% to 87% of eligible members endorsing union authorization cards.
