Activision's quality assurance team for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 recently staged a walkout in protest of the company's return-to-office policy, backed by the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The strike stems from growing frustrations regarding how this policy affects developers who depend on remote work arrangements.

Earlier this year, Activision implemented a strict return-to-office mandate for its quality assurance team at the Eden Prairie, Minnesota studio, effectively ending years of remote and hybrid work options. This decision has faced backlash from the company's largest union, which characterized it as a "soft layoff." For employees with medical conditions or accessibility needs, the transition to in-office work has posed significant challenges, escalating tensions that culminated last Friday, coinciding with the release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.

In a statement issued by ABetterABK, Activision's employee advocacy group supported by the CWA, the return-to-office policy was described as "unequal," asserting that it disproportionately impacts disabled employees and those needing remote work accommodations. The CWA claims that the policy compels in-office attendance, even for employees with serious medical conditions who have provided doctors' recommendations to work from home. ABetterABK contends that the company's repeated denials of these requests create a challenging work environment detrimental to employee well-being.

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The walkout was further ignited by a recent internal email from Activision celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which featured a disabled individual working remotely. ABetterABK argues that this message contradicts the company's refusal to grant remote work options to employees with medical issues. Representatives also pointed out that the QA staff involved in the protest had previously worked on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, which was Activision's most profitable release and was completed entirely remotely.

An Activision spokesperson acknowledged to Eurogamer that the return-to-office initiative has been "an adjustment for some." The company stated it is engaged in an "interactive process" with employees requesting accommodations. However, Activision workers have yet to see any significant changes in policy. With recent unionization efforts from Bethesda Game Studios and Blizzard's World of Warcraft developers, the gaming industry appears to be experiencing a significant shift in worker rights amid an estimated 13,000 layoffs in 2024, showing no signs of slowing down.