Video Game Workers Union Calls on FTC to Scrutinize EA Acquisition in Historic Petition
Video game industry labour organisation United Videogame Workers-CWA (UVW-CWA) has made a formal push for regulatory scrutiny of the proposed $55 billion Saudi-backed acquisition of Electronic Arts (EA) — including calling on the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to closely review the deal. The petition reflects growing concerns from developers that such major industry consolidation could harm jobs, creative freedom, and worker influence in decision-making.
Eurogamer reported that the union’s petition specifically urges the FTC — the main U.S. antitrust regulator — to examine whether the acquisition could negatively impact competition and employee interests before it moves forward. Sources indicate the union intends to present the petition comments to regulators as part of broader efforts to give workers a voice in corporate governance and industry direction.
Union Petitions for Worker Protection and Accountability
The United Videogame Workers-CWA is an industry-wide union formed in March 2025 in partnership with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). It represents video game professionals across the United States and Canada, including developers, writers, artists, QA testers, freelancers, and laid-off workers. The union was created in response to widespread layoffs, precarious employment conditions, and increasing corporate consolidation across the gaming sector.
As part of its mission, UVW-CWA has been gathering signatures for petitions demanding better job security and working conditions, including issues such as:
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Notice before layoffs and paid time off following layoffs
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Improved severance pay and extended healthcare coverage
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Worker say in workplace decisions, including use of generative AI
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Recall rights giving priority to rehiring laid-off talent when companies expand hiring again
The petition aimed at the FTC is part of this broader push to ensure game workers’ interests are considered in major corporate transactions that could reshape the industry.
Why This Acquisition Raises Concerns
The acquisition of EA — one of the largest video game publishers globally — has sparked controversy beyond just labour organising. The deal, backed in part by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has drawn scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and industry voices concerned about national security implications, cultural influence, and how such a takeover could affect jobs and studio autonomy.
UVW-CWA’s petition argues that decisions of this scale should not be made without considering the impact on the workforce that creates the games and drives the company’s success. The union also notes that the current FTC leadership has signalled a less aggressive stance on mergers and acquisitions, making this petition an important step in drawing public attention to the issue.