Game makers seek unions as digital entertainment booms

Interest in union protection among video game workers has heightened as studios curtail remote work, meaning employees are being pressured to live near offices in cities that tend to be expensive, according to Fellmeth. The ongoing strike by film actors and writers has also been a factor, spotlighting the power of workers uniting. — AFP

SAN FRANCISCO: Unsung workers who make movie superheroes fly and lightsabers crackle are turning to labour unions as relentless demand for content turns dream jobs into gruelling routines.

A union trend that started at an independent game studio last year is gaining momentum as video streaming services vie for subscribers and video game makers push to keep players engaged.