Bethesda Game Studios Achieves Historic Unionization Under Microsoft

Bethesda Game Studios Ascends to Union Status

Bethesda Game Studios becomes the first game development company under Microsoft to achieve full unionization with the Communication Workers of America (CWA). The union comprises a comprehensive mix of professionals, including developers, artists, engineers, and designers. Microsoft has bestowed recognition upon the newly formed union. Bethesda's decision to unionize was reinforced after 241 developers expressed their interest in unionization - using either union authorization cards or an online portal. This momentous step comes in the wake of the unionization of Bethesda Games Studios Montreal in late June and roughly 300 quality assurance workers from Zenimax, Bethesda's parent organization.

The Unveiling of #OneBGSUSA

Bethesda Game Studios disclosed their excitement about the "wall-to-wall" union, which involved 241 developers. They proclaimed their joy on X/Twitter, saying they were thrilled to establish their union with @CWAUnion. They've united under the banner #OneBGSUSA, and they are committed to promoting the interests of every developer at Bethesda Game Studios, thereby establishing a new standard in the industry. The recently founded association will now negotiate its contract with Microsoft. Mandi Parker, Senior System Designer at Bethesda Game Studios, communicated her enthusiasm in a press release, emphasizing how to work democracy and having a protected voice at work benefits every worker.

The Rise of Unionization in the Gaming Industry

The gaming industry is seeing an upsurge in unionization, as workers strive for better safeguards from sweeping layoffs. This trend has been witnessed in Sega of America, which ratified a union contract earlier this year. Furthermore, Activision's QA workers have announced a union of their own. Microsoft has previously assured that it would not block any potential move by Activision Blizzard to unionize. This assurance seems to extend to Bethesda Game Studios as well. This trend within the industry to embrace unionization could provide unprecedented security and job assurance for employees in the future.