Bethesda Game Studios employees have recently formed a union, becoming the first Microsoft video game studio to do so. A total of 241 workers have shown interest in joining the Communications Workers of America (CWA) by signing authorization cards or indicating their desire to join through an online portal. This “wall-to-wall” union will represent workers across different job roles, including artists, engineers, programmers, and designers. Bethesda is known for developing popular games like Starfield, Elder Scrolls, and Fallout.
Microsoft has officially recognized the union, with workers at the studio’s Maryland office joining CWA Locals 2108, and those in the Texas office becoming members of CWA Locals 6215. Mandi Parker, a Senior System Designer at Bethesda, expressed excitement about the union formation, highlighting the importance of democracy in the workplace and the need for a protected voice on the job. The goal is to negotiate a fair contract that will improve working conditions and overall quality of life for employees.
This move by Bethesda’s workers adds to the growing trend of unionization in the video game industry. In January 2023, quality assurance workers at ZeniMax Studios, the parent company of Bethesda, formed a union with 300 members, marking one of the largest unions in the industry at that time. However, this record was surpassed when 600 quality assurance workers at Activision, another Microsoft-owned company, joined the CWA earlier this year.
The formation of unions in the gaming industry is significant as it gives workers a collective voice to address workplace issues, negotiate better contracts, and improve working conditions. It also reflects a broader shift towards advocating for employee rights and fair treatment in the industry. As the movement for unionization continues to gain momentum, it will be interesting to see how it shapes the future of work in the gaming sector and influences other companies to follow suit.
Overall, the unionization of Bethesda Game Studios workers marks a positive step towards empowering employees and ensuring that their voices are heard and respected in the ever-evolving landscape of the gaming industry. It sets a precedent for other studios to consider similar measures to prioritize the well-being and rights of their workforce.
