Double Fine’s union drive collapsed after two weeks of conflict over eligibility
In May 2026, 32 Double Fine employees petitioned to unionise, but the organising committee withdrew the petition two weeks later after opposition and internal conflict. Kotaku’s interviews with 15 current and former employees describe disputes over who could join under US labour law and differing accounts of how the campaign unfolded; studio head Tim Schafer denied that the subsequent layoffs targeted union organisers.
Bottom line — All eight organisers who signed the withdrawal letter were among 23 employees laid off in July, though Schafer denied the layoffs were linked to the union drive.
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Kotaku reports that organisers estimated only just under half of Double Fine’s employees were eligible, partly because of the studio’s loose structure and US rules excluding managers and overseas contractors.
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According to Kotaku, 32 employees signed the May petition; the organisers later withdrew it after some supporters retracted their authorisation cards.
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Employees interviewed by Kotaku gave conflicting accounts: some described hostile reactions and pressure, while others said they were hurt by being excluded and wanted clearer answers about eligibility.
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Kotaku reports that Schafer said the studio prioritised retaining the people it most needed to make its games and that seniority influenced layoff decisions.
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Game Developer’s summary of Kotaku’s reporting identifies the clash between Double Fine’s culture and union eligibility rules as a central source of conflict.
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ZypherTrading says the National Labor Relations Board’s public case listing records the petition and its withdrawal, but does not establish why employees withdrew.