Austin Kelmore
@austinkelmore.com
Unionizing the games industry one person at a time. Cofounder of @gameworkers.co.uk, @gameworkersolidarity.com, and @nogamesforgenocide.com.
Game worker, rock climber, cat hugger based in Glasgow, Scotland.
https://www.austinkelmore.com
Game worker, rock climber, cat hugger based in Glasgow, Scotland.
https://www.austinkelmore.com
Pinned
Austin Kelmore
@austinkelmore.com
· Oct 17
Welcome new followers! I've been making video games for over 17 years now, which is a long time.
I co-founded and help run the IWGB Game Workers, which is the UK's largest game worker union. www.gameworkers.co.uk
I also co-founded and help run www.gameworkersolidarity.com.
And I have two cats!
I co-founded and help run the IWGB Game Workers, which is the UK's largest game worker union. www.gameworkers.co.uk
I also co-founded and help run www.gameworkersolidarity.com.
And I have two cats!
Reposted by Austin Kelmore
Last week, I got a corrections request for a story I didn't write, on a publication I don't write for. It sent me down a very strange rabbit hole involving a mysterious content publisher. There's a lot I don't understand, but here's what I know:
aftermath.site/nicole-carpe...
aftermath.site/nicole-carpe...
I'm Not That Nicole Carpenter
I got a corrections request for a story I didn't write, and it pulled me down a journalism rabbit hole.
aftermath.site
January 15, 2026 at 10:20 PM
Last week, I got a corrections request for a story I didn't write, on a publication I don't write for. It sent me down a very strange rabbit hole involving a mysterious content publisher. There's a lot I don't understand, but here's what I know:
aftermath.site/nicole-carpe...
aftermath.site/nicole-carpe...
Reposted by Austin Kelmore
One of the things about people showing up to protest for the first time, that many, many armchair theorists don't grasp, is the effect of seeing what happens with your own eyes, then seeing how media covers it, and what is said ABOUT YOU by media and political personalities/office holders.
January 15, 2026 at 7:27 PM
One of the things about people showing up to protest for the first time, that many, many armchair theorists don't grasp, is the effect of seeing what happens with your own eyes, then seeing how media covers it, and what is said ABOUT YOU by media and political personalities/office holders.
Reposted by Austin Kelmore
When I was growing up I was taught that most people were good and tried their best, but working day to day in companies where it's clear that leadership did not care about me or my coworkers at all conflicted with that.
It took a long time to understand that many people in power are just malicious.
It took a long time to understand that many people in power are just malicious.
January 15, 2026 at 11:30 AM
When I was growing up I was taught that most people were good and tried their best, but working day to day in companies where it's clear that leadership did not care about me or my coworkers at all conflicted with that.
It took a long time to understand that many people in power are just malicious.
It took a long time to understand that many people in power are just malicious.
Reposted by Austin Kelmore
Last night, The Minneapolis Federation of Educators Local 59 signed on to the call for a Jan 23 shutdown. That brings total labor support to: the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1005, SEIU Local 26, UNITE HERE Local 17, CWA Local 7250, St. Paul Federation of Educators Local 28, and the MFE 59
Unions and community orgs are calling for a Minnesota-wide shutdown in 10 days to protest the ferocious assault by federal immigration agents. They're saying on Jan 23, no work, no school, no shopping. SEIU Local 26, UNITE HERE Local 17, & others are supporting, w/ more to join. By me, Amie Stager
“We Are Facing a Tsunami of Hate”: Amid ICE Crackdown, Unions and Community Groups Call for Minnesota Shutdown in 10 Days
Following the ICE murder of Renee Good and an assault on the state by federal immigration forces, a labor-community coalition is calling for residents to refuse to work, shop or go to school on Januar...
inthesetimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Last night, The Minneapolis Federation of Educators Local 59 signed on to the call for a Jan 23 shutdown. That brings total labor support to: the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1005, SEIU Local 26, UNITE HERE Local 17, CWA Local 7250, St. Paul Federation of Educators Local 28, and the MFE 59
When I was growing up I was taught that most people were good and tried their best, but working day to day in companies where it's clear that leadership did not care about me or my coworkers at all conflicted with that.
It took a long time to understand that many people in power are just malicious.
It took a long time to understand that many people in power are just malicious.
January 15, 2026 at 11:30 AM
When I was growing up I was taught that most people were good and tried their best, but working day to day in companies where it's clear that leadership did not care about me or my coworkers at all conflicted with that.
It took a long time to understand that many people in power are just malicious.
It took a long time to understand that many people in power are just malicious.
Reposted by Austin Kelmore
NEW: Ubisoft had its first meeting with union representatives at its recently shuttered Halifax studio yesterday and has been accused of coming to the table with "nothing."
That seemingly means no proposals for better severance or evidence the closure was based solely on financial necessity.
That seemingly means no proposals for better severance or evidence the closure was based solely on financial necessity.
Ubisoft called out by union after talks following studio closure
'Ubisoft came to the table with nothing. No documentation proving financial distress, and no plan to find work at other Ubisoft operations.'
www.gamedeveloper.com
January 15, 2026 at 10:40 AM
NEW: Ubisoft had its first meeting with union representatives at its recently shuttered Halifax studio yesterday and has been accused of coming to the table with "nothing."
That seemingly means no proposals for better severance or evidence the closure was based solely on financial necessity.
That seemingly means no proposals for better severance or evidence the closure was based solely on financial necessity.
Reposted by Austin Kelmore
"I write to share news from a disappointing meeting with Ubisoft this morning. Ubisoft came to the table with nothing. No documentation proving financial distress, and no plan to find work at other Ubisoft operations or increase severance," reads the note.
January 15, 2026 at 10:42 AM
"I write to share news from a disappointing meeting with Ubisoft this morning. Ubisoft came to the table with nothing. No documentation proving financial distress, and no plan to find work at other Ubisoft operations or increase severance," reads the note.
Reposted by Austin Kelmore
A new report out today by Unseen, a leading charity which manages the modern slavery helpline, has found that immigration laws brought in since 2022 have helped trafficking thrive.
The changes have contributed to a "culture of disbelief" in victims.
www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2026...
The changes have contributed to a "culture of disbelief" in victims.
www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2026...
UK immigration law has helped modern slavery thrive, says damning…
New findings point to a ‘growing culture of disbelief’ within government towards victims of trafficking
www.thebureauinvestigates.com
January 14, 2026 at 10:42 AM
A new report out today by Unseen, a leading charity which manages the modern slavery helpline, has found that immigration laws brought in since 2022 have helped trafficking thrive.
The changes have contributed to a "culture of disbelief" in victims.
www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2026...
The changes have contributed to a "culture of disbelief" in victims.
www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2026...
Reposted by Austin Kelmore
Seeing Zohran instantly getting a bunch of shit done in like a week makes you realize that politicians could always do that on some level if they wanted it bad enough and very few of them actually do.
January 15, 2026 at 1:23 AM
Seeing Zohran instantly getting a bunch of shit done in like a week makes you realize that politicians could always do that on some level if they wanted it bad enough and very few of them actually do.
It came out SO well.
For dinner tonight @austinkelmore.com made baked ziti, a dish I absolutely love but can never find. He even ordered actual ziti pasta instead of subbing in penne. It was so good.
January 14, 2026 at 10:11 PM
It came out SO well.
Reposted by Austin Kelmore
Happening Now: Students have walked out of school and are protesting against ICE in Saint Paul, Minnesota
January 14, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Happening Now: Students have walked out of school and are protesting against ICE in Saint Paul, Minnesota
Does anyone know how often interim relief is granted in tribunal cases in the UK?
I can't find any information on it.
I can't find any information on it.
January 14, 2026 at 12:08 PM
Does anyone know how often interim relief is granted in tribunal cases in the UK?
I can't find any information on it.
I can't find any information on it.
Reposted by Austin Kelmore
Hey it's #portfolioday, I'm currently looking for work and have experience doing pixel art and animation, voxel art, and low-poly 3D, as well as art/creative direction, UI design, and game design.
Full portfolio 🎨 ckjong.artstation.com
Full portfolio 🎨 ckjong.artstation.com
January 14, 2026 at 3:45 AM
Hey it's #portfolioday, I'm currently looking for work and have experience doing pixel art and animation, voxel art, and low-poly 3D, as well as art/creative direction, UI design, and game design.
Full portfolio 🎨 ckjong.artstation.com
Full portfolio 🎨 ckjong.artstation.com
Reposted by Austin Kelmore
People Make Games has yet again done an incredible job covering Rockstar firing 34 union workers and has gone in depth with the evidence presented by Rockstar.
One employee had a single message that was evidence for why they should be fired.
One employee had a single message that was evidence for why they should be fired.
We traveled back up to Edinburgh to be there as Rockstar Games and its fired union members took their case to court:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnui...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnui...
Rockstar vs. Union: We Went to Court and Saw the Evidence
YouTube video by People Make Games
www.youtube.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:06 PM
People Make Games has yet again done an incredible job covering Rockstar firing 34 union workers and has gone in depth with the evidence presented by Rockstar.
One employee had a single message that was evidence for why they should be fired.
One employee had a single message that was evidence for why they should be fired.
Reposted by Austin Kelmore
Rockstar was covertly monitoring unionization efforts, we know that now.
Our statement concerning the decision to not grant interim pay relief to the member's fired by Rockstar. We remain confident in the strength of our case against Rockstar Games and we reiterate our firm belief that Rockstar broke the law when it summarily dismissed 31 union members.
January 13, 2026 at 1:49 PM
Rockstar was covertly monitoring unionization efforts, we know that now.
Reposted by Austin Kelmore
For years, many of us have tried to get people to care about criminalization with only limited success. We made the point that criminalization is fascism's fuel. And I really really hope that more people now understand this.
January 13, 2026 at 5:44 PM
For years, many of us have tried to get people to care about criminalization with only limited success. We made the point that criminalization is fascism's fuel. And I really really hope that more people now understand this.
Reposted by Austin Kelmore
Federal prosecutors in the U.S. attorney's office in Minnesota are resigning after the DOJ is pushing the office to investigate the widow of Renee Good.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/13/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/13/u...
3 Prosecutors Quit After Push to Investigate ICE Shooting Victim’s Widow
www.nytimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:41 PM
Federal prosecutors in the U.S. attorney's office in Minnesota are resigning after the DOJ is pushing the office to investigate the widow of Renee Good.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/13/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/13/u...
Reposted by Austin Kelmore
PMG have just released their excellent video covering the situation at Rockstar. Thanks to @chrisbratt.bsky.social for this great and important piece of journalism. You can check it out here:
youtu.be/dnuipPQDd_w?...
youtu.be/dnuipPQDd_w?...
Rockstar vs. Union: We Went to Court and Saw the Evidence
YouTube video by People Make Games
youtu.be
January 13, 2026 at 2:50 PM
PMG have just released their excellent video covering the situation at Rockstar. Thanks to @chrisbratt.bsky.social for this great and important piece of journalism. You can check it out here:
youtu.be/dnuipPQDd_w?...
youtu.be/dnuipPQDd_w?...
I want to expand on this a little because Rockstar will never do this.
But they will, however, try to constrain union organizing to as small as possible and will happily constrain it so much as to make it impossible.
Their whole goal is likely to undermine union organizing as a whole.
But they will, however, try to constrain union organizing to as small as possible and will happily constrain it so much as to make it impossible.
Their whole goal is likely to undermine union organizing as a whole.
If Rockstar is claiming what the workers were doing wasn't union organizing and so would fall under protected activity, what WOULD union organizing look like?
January 13, 2026 at 5:14 PM
I want to expand on this a little because Rockstar will never do this.
But they will, however, try to constrain union organizing to as small as possible and will happily constrain it so much as to make it impossible.
Their whole goal is likely to undermine union organizing as a whole.
But they will, however, try to constrain union organizing to as small as possible and will happily constrain it so much as to make it impossible.
Their whole goal is likely to undermine union organizing as a whole.
People Make Games has yet again done an incredible job covering Rockstar firing 34 union workers and has gone in depth with the evidence presented by Rockstar.
One employee had a single message that was evidence for why they should be fired.
One employee had a single message that was evidence for why they should be fired.
We traveled back up to Edinburgh to be there as Rockstar Games and its fired union members took their case to court:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnui...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnui...
Rockstar vs. Union: We Went to Court and Saw the Evidence
YouTube video by People Make Games
www.youtube.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:06 PM
People Make Games has yet again done an incredible job covering Rockstar firing 34 union workers and has gone in depth with the evidence presented by Rockstar.
One employee had a single message that was evidence for why they should be fired.
One employee had a single message that was evidence for why they should be fired.
Reposted by Austin Kelmore
Our statement concerning the decision to not grant interim pay relief to the member's fired by Rockstar. We remain confident in the strength of our case against Rockstar Games and we reiterate our firm belief that Rockstar broke the law when it summarily dismissed 31 union members.
January 13, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Our statement concerning the decision to not grant interim pay relief to the member's fired by Rockstar. We remain confident in the strength of our case against Rockstar Games and we reiterate our firm belief that Rockstar broke the law when it summarily dismissed 31 union members.
Rockstar was covertly monitoring unionization efforts, we know that now.
Our statement concerning the decision to not grant interim pay relief to the member's fired by Rockstar. We remain confident in the strength of our case against Rockstar Games and we reiterate our firm belief that Rockstar broke the law when it summarily dismissed 31 union members.
January 13, 2026 at 1:49 PM
Rockstar was covertly monitoring unionization efforts, we know that now.
Reposted by Austin Kelmore
i hope all the people resisting ICE on the ground know how fucking inspiring they are. minneapolis right now, and chicago and LA and charlotte and DC and portland before them, you’re setting the blueprint for the future battles sure to come. thank you.
January 13, 2026 at 1:54 AM
i hope all the people resisting ICE on the ground know how fucking inspiring they are. minneapolis right now, and chicago and LA and charlotte and DC and portland before them, you’re setting the blueprint for the future battles sure to come. thank you.
Reposted by Austin Kelmore
I took pictures every day in 2025 and printed out just one photo for each day. I was putting them in albums tonight and so many were of our cat Tigger. I miss him so much and I'm so sad. It's such bullshit.
Here is a picture of him being adorable earlier in 2025.
Here is a picture of him being adorable earlier in 2025.
January 12, 2026 at 9:46 PM
I took pictures every day in 2025 and printed out just one photo for each day. I was putting them in albums tonight and so many were of our cat Tigger. I miss him so much and I'm so sad. It's such bullshit.
Here is a picture of him being adorable earlier in 2025.
Here is a picture of him being adorable earlier in 2025.
