Bethesda Game Studios Has Officially Unionized

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Bethesda Game Studios Has Officially Unionized

Highlights

  • Bethesda Game Studios becomes first Microsoft developer to unionize under the Communication Workers of America (CWA).
  • Job security concerns rise in gaming industry after multiple studio closures; Bethesda employees turn to unionization for stability.
  • Trend of game developers forming unions continues with Bethesda’s unionization, advocating for fair conditions and industry standards.

As a passionate gamer and long-time follower of the gaming industry, I can’t help but be both thrilled and concerned about the recent unionization efforts at Bethesda Game Studios. Bethesda has always been synonymous with innovation in the gaming world, producing iconic titles like The Elder Scrolls series and Fallout.

In an important shift for the gaming world, Bethesda Game Studios has joined forces with the Communication Workers of America (CWA), marking them as the first Microsoft-owned game developer to unionize. This action by Bethesda reflects a growing trend in the tech and gaming industries where employees are pushing for change regarding issues like working conditions, job stability, and equitable pay.

Over the last few years, the video game industry has undergone significant transformations, leading to several layoffs and studio closures. For example, Microsoft’s Xbox division closed down studios like Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog Games, and Roundhouse Studios in May. This instability has left many developers and fans worried about employment stability, as even renowned studios have been affected. To address these concerns, some workers have opted to unionize, with Video Games Union becoming the first successful North American gaming studio labor union in 2021.

More than 240 employees at Bethesda Game Studios, including artists, engineers, programmers, and designers, have recently formed a union with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). This “studio-wide” union was established after workers signed authorization cards or used an online platform to show their support. Microsoft has recognized this new union, signifying a major advancement in the studio’s efforts towards employee representation and collective bargaining. It is worth mentioning that Bethesda Game Studios Montreal had already begun unionizing back in June 2024.

Communications Workers of America Welcomes Bethesda Game Studios Unionization

At Twitter, the newly formed Bethesda Game Studios union announced their dedication to enhancing working conditions for all employees and establishing pioneering industry norms. They highlighted their intention to establish a secure, eco-friendly, and equitable workplace, guaranteeing that their perspectives are considered in decision-making. In turn, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) warmly welcomed the union into their ranks.

Last year, I was thrilled to see many notable businesses establish unions. In the beginning of 2023, around 300 QA testers at ZeniMax Media made history by voting to unionize. Their goal was to tackle issues surrounding employment stability and work environment. Later on in the same year, CD Projekt Red developers followed suit and formed a union as well. This decision came in response to layoffs that affected team members involved in creating Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

Game developers are banding together to form unions as part of a larger movement aiming for greater job security and enhanced work conditions. This action enables employees to demand fairer and clearer business practices while also mitigating the risks linked to the industry’s instability, including studio shutdowns and large-scale layoffs.

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2024-07-20 16:13