Dungeons & Dragons Creative Workers Unionize at Wizards of the Coast
Creative employees at Wizards of the Coast, known for Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering, have formed a union. They are demanding better pay, job security, and protections against AI use.
Creative workers behind popular games such as Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering at publisher Wizards of the Coast have announced their decision to unionize. The employees informed their employer of their plans on Tuesday.
The newly formed union, United Wizards of the Coast, is affiliated with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and includes designers, artists, writers, and producers. The union has presented management with seven key demands, including wages commensurate with their work, job security amid industry instability, improved healthcare, sustainable workloads with remote work options, protection against the encroachment of artificial intelligence (AI), and ownership of creative work done outside the office.
Concerns over AI are a significant factor in the unionization effort. The workers cite "forced AI use" and a lack of robust AI policies at Wizards of the Coast, which they argue shows disrespect for artists and creatives. An earlier letter from the union highlighted increased pressure to adopt AI tools despite employee concerns.
Wizards of the Coast is a crucial division for its parent company, Hasbro. In July, Hasbro reported a 16% year-over-year revenue increase, with its Wizards and Digital Gaming segment growing by 27%. Magic: The Gathering alone achieved a record $500 million in quarterly revenue. Despite the company's financial success, employees are seeking better working conditions and greater security.
The United Wizards of the Coast union has set a deadline of October 13 for Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro to voluntarily recognize the union. The companies have not yet issued a public comment.