2K Motion Capture Studio Elects to Unionize

The team behind 2K Games’ motion-capture studio in California has made the decision to unionize, marking a significant moment for the industry. According to a recent post on the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) website, 15 of the studio’s staff members cast their vote in favor of the union, while six were opposed. This decision took place on Friday, November 22nd, with the election being overseen by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

Matthew Peterson, a mocap animator at 2K, shared his thoughts, expressing optimism for what this means for the studio’s future. “Today it is evident that the people at this studio truly want what is best not only for themselves, but what is best for their coworkers, future generations of workers, and the studio as a whole,” he stated. Peterson acknowledged the journey hadn’t been without its hurdles but highlighted the movement’s foundation of mutual empathy. “I look forward to negotiating in good faith with Take-Two, and I hope that other workers in our industry will feel inspired to organise and gain the protections that are necessary not only to survive, but thrive.”

Adding to the conversation, Matthew Loeb, the International President of IATSE, remarked, “This victory is not just about one studio; it’s about the future of work in the video game industry.” He emphasized that the stance taken by the 2K MoCap workers echoes a broader sentiment in entertainment: collective action paves the way for fairness, equity, and respect within the workplace. “Their courage will inspire others in the industry to follow suit. This outcome also demonstrates what can be achieved when workers exercise their right to organise, a right that we will continue to fight to defend and expand.”

The California mocap studio’s formal move to unionize started back in October, marking a potentially transformative step for the workers and the industry at large.