As layoffs continue to ravage the games industry, a union across North America establishes a fund to help those impacted by it
The United Videogame Workers union, affiliated with the Communications Workers of America, has launched the Game Worker Hardship Fund to assist laid-off workers across the United States and Canada. The program covers workers affected by layoffs from January 2024 to the present and does not require union membership to apply.
Eligibility extends beyond directly laid-off workers to include anyone experiencing hardship as a result of industry layoffs, though workers who were directly terminated receive priority in fund allocation. The program provides financial assistance for both work-related and general living expenses, with applicants required to submit basic information about their situation.
This initiative reflects the scale of job losses affecting the games industry throughout 2024 and into 2025. The Game Worker Hardship Fund represents one of the few formal, broad-based support mechanisms available to displaced game industry workers, offering immediate relief during periods of unemployment or reduced income.