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Workers Of The Gaming World, Unite! The Uncertain Future Of The Video Game Industry In The Aftermath Of Ab 5, Natalie Kalbakian

Loyola of Los Angeles Entertainment Law Review

The video game industry is a rapidly growing and lucrative entertainment market. It has played an immense role in shaping the consumption of media. However, the reality of working conditions for the industry labor force largely behind these innovations is much less impressive. This Note examines the video game industry as a case study for the potential impact of California Assembly Bill 5 (“AB 5”) on industries that heavily rely on independent contractors with specialized skill sets.

First, this Note advances the argument that the video game industry has engaged in regulatory arbitrage by capitalizing on the loopholes created as …