Activision Blizzard Giving 1100 Game Testers Full-Time Jobs

Activision Blizzard announced that they convert about 1,100 U.S.-based temporary or contract quality assurance workers are being converted to permanent full-time employees. As permanent employees, the workers will receive benefits and can participate in a bonus plan. 

The move comes after years of criticism over the video game publisher’s reliance on part-time employees and their tenuous working conditions. In December, Activision converted 500 temporary roles to full-time positions while also ending 20 contracts.

Across Activision Blizzard, we are bringing more content to players across our franchises than ever before. As a result, we are refining how our teams work together to develop our games and deliver the best possible experiences for our players. We have ambitious plans for the future and our Quality Assurance (QA) team members are a critical part of our development efforts.

Therefore, today we announced the conversion of all US-based temporary and contingent QA team members at Activision Publishing (AP) and Blizzard - nearly 1,100 people in total - to permanent full-time employees starting July 1. Additionally, we are increasing the minimum hourly rate for these team members to $20/hr or more effective April 17. These employees also will be eligible to participate in the company’s bonus plan and will have access to full company benefits.

This change follows a process that began last year across AP and Blizzard of converting temporary and contingent employees, including 500 at AP’s studios, to permanent full-time employees.

This is the statement from Jessica Taylor, Activision Blizzard’s vice president of corporate communications.