Double Fine: 14th studio to form a union under Microsoft
Intelligence Summary
- Double Fine, known for Psychonauts, becomes the 14th studio to unionize under Microsoft. Read more about this major development.
Double Fine: 14th studio to form a union under Microsoft
The creative team behind the well-known game Psychonauts, Double Fine Productions, has recently taken the step to form a union. This marks an important development in the gaming industry and continues the growing trend of unionization across the sector, especially at companies under Microsoft.
About Double Fine
Double Fine is a game studio acquired by Microsoft in 2018. The studio was founded by Tim Schafer, a former LucasArts employee, and is best known for titles such as Psychonauts. Double Fine recently released a new game called Kiln, which is available on Xbox Game Pass. The studio is known for its innovative and distinctive approach to game development, making it a respected name in the industry.
The unionization
On May 7, 2026, 42 Double Fine employees filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to form a union. The workers are seeking Microsoft’s recognition of their union, which is represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The move is intended to protect and expand the studio’s commitment to creativity, diversity, and employee quality of life. The CWA has praised Microsoft for taking a neutral stance and not interfering with union organizing.
Impact of Microsoft’s acquisition
Microsoft’s acquisition of Double Fine and other independent studios has helped accelerate unionization in the gaming industry. The company previously signed a neutrality agreement with the CWA, which has helped unions form at other studios under its umbrella, such as Activision Blizzard and ZeniMax. Double Fine is now the 14th game team to unionize under the Microsoft umbrella, and the first to do so under the new leadership of CEO Asha Sharma.
Timeline
2018: Double Fine is acquired by Microsoft.
May 7, 2026: Double Fine employees file a petition with the NLRB to form a union.
May 9, 2026: Double Fine is reported as the 14th game team to unionize under Microsoft.
Future developments
The unionization could have a major impact on Double Fine’s future and its game development. Now that workers at the studio have organized, it will be interesting to see how Microsoft and the new CEO Sacha Sharma respond. Reactions so far have been positive, with confirmation that protecting employees’ interests while continuing to make innovative games remains important.
Double Fine’s unionization comes alongside the recent launch of Kiln, which offers a unique gameplay experience but has so far seen limited traction on Steam. Broader adoption of its games, potentially through Game Pass, could help the studio secure a more stable future, especially as it operates under the same banner as other well-known studios in the Microsoft family.
In conclusion, the formation of a union at Double Fine represents an important step forward in the fight for workers’ rights in the games industry, which is increasingly shaped by growing awareness of working conditions and the need for better employment standards.
