PETALUMA, CA, — Workers at 2K’s motion capture studio in Petaluma, California have reached and unanimously ratified their first union contract with Take-Two Interactive management, marking a historic first for motion capture video game workers in the United States. This agreement is the result of these workers’ initial vote to unionize in November 2024.
The new agreement secures key workplace gains, including wage floor minimums and yearly wage increases, yearly bonuses, protected benefits, an enforceable promotions framework, specialty pay improvements, staffing and subcontracting protections, preserved work from home policies, locked in leave allowances, stronger crediting practices, and protections related to scanned likeness and artificial intelligence.
The Petaluma studio plays an important role in motion capture production for major 2K and Take-Two titles, and the workers’ successful contract campaign adds to growing momentum for unionization across the video game industry. IATSE announced the group’s union win in November 2024 after a National Labor Relations Board-supervised election.
“This agreement shows what workers can achieve when they stand together and bargain for the future of their craft,” said International President Matthew D. Loeb. “These workers made history when they organized, and they have made history again by ratifying the first union contract for motion capture video game workers in the United States.”
IATSE intends to build on the success of the 2k mocap campaign and contract by supporting mocap workers throughout North America to achieve a collective voice on the job. IATSE representatives are present this week at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, which is taking place March 9 through 13, 2026.
On Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., IATSE is hosting an event in Room 203 in the South Hall to discuss the contract gains and the future of worker power in the video game and motion capture sectors (all game workers invited).
Workers can learn more about the movement at gameworkers.org, or take the union’s newly launched Motion Capture Rates and Conditions Survey here.
Quotes from 2K motion capture workers:
Jose Gutierrez, Mocap Technical Animator:
“I am incredibly pleased to share that our recent contract negotiations have concluded with a result that truly benefits every member of our union. Starting with setting wage floor minimums that provide fair compensation. While collective bargaining is often characterized by friction, this experience was a nice departure from the norm. The company agreed to speed up the agreement process. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when both labor and higher management approach the table with good faith bargaining, mutual respect, and a focus on long-term sustainability for all parties involved.”
Calvin Walantus, Sr. Motion Capture Tools Engineer:
While the relationship that our negotiating team was going to have with the company was uncertain earlier in the process, I was happy to see that we reached a point where both sides were legitimately considering each other’s points of view and working diligently towards solutions. I believe it was this spirit of collaboration – no doubt motivated by our members’ bold willingness to demonstrate unity in support of the negotiating team – that allowed us to reach an outstanding first contract in record time.
Matthew Peterson, Motion Capture Animator:
Going into the process of negotiations, we had very little idea of what to expect from 2K management’s side of the table. Historically union contract negotiations can be a long and tedious process. That being said I applaud 2K for their willingness to come to the table and truly bargain in good faith. The time and work everyone within this union has put into making this contract a reality has been nothing short of inspiring as it has proven that through collaboration, communication and unity, a better tomorrow is not only possible but within reach of those who are willing to fight for it.
Connor Bredbeck, Stage Technician:
We went into the negotiating process understanding there would be a strong fight ahead. We were united in our goals, shared in solidarity with one another, and focused on protecting the work we love while acknowledging our critical efforts in making games at 2K. We are pleased that 2K was willing to negotiate and made the effort to understand, honor, and recognize the contributions of our team.
As layoffs continue to decimate the gaming industry, there is always more work to be done and 2K Mocap stands by any and all workers willing to put in the fight for their worth. This contract is not only a victory for our team, but for all game workers, and even 2K.
