Bethesda Game Studios is officially the first Microsoft game developer to fully unionize with the Communication Workers of America (CWA), creating a “wall-to-wall” developer union, including artists, engineers, programmers, and designers. Microsoft has recognized the union.
The union was confirmed after 241 developers signed a union authorization card or indicated they wanted a union through an online portal. It follows the unionization of Bethesda Games Studios Montreal in slow June and the unionization of about 300 quality assurance workers at Zenimax, Bethesda’s parent company.
“We, the majority of developers at Bethesda Game Studios Dallas, Rockville, and Austin, are excited to announce our union with @CWAUnion,” the group wrote on X/Twitter“Together as #OneBGSUSA, we advocate for the betterment of every developer at BGS, setting a new standard for our industry.”
The novel union will now negotiate a contract with Microsoft. IGN has reached out to Microsoft for comment.
“We are thrilled to announce our union at Bethesda Game Studio and join the movement that has swept the entire video game industry,” said Mandi Parker, senior systems designer, in a statement via press release. “It’s clear that every employee can benefit from bringing democracy to the workplace and having a protected voice at work. We are excited to get down to business and win a fair contract, proving that our unity is a source of true strength that positively impacts our working conditions, our lives, and our company.”
Unionization is a growing trend in the gaming industry as workers seek protection from mass layoffs. Sega of America’s union ratified a deal earlier this year, and Activision’s QA workers have announced their own union. Microsoft has previously said it would not block a potential unionization of Activision Blizzard, which apparently also includes Bethesda Game Studios.
Kat Bailey is IGN’s news director and also co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? DM her @the_katbot.
