Bethesda Game Studios, developer of popular games such as Fallout, Starfield and Elder Scrolls, has broken new ground as Microsoft’s first fully unionized game studio. 241 developers have united under the Communication Workers of America (CWA), unionizing Bethesda.
Bethesda’s unionization process
Bethesda Game Studios has formed a full union with 241 developers in its Dallas, Rockville and Austin studios, following the unionization of the Montreal office at the end of June. This follows the unionization of nearly 300 quality control workers at Zenimax. Microsoft has accepted Bethesda employees’ request to form a union, and this new union is now preparing to negotiate a contract with Microsoft.
This unionization movement, which includes developers, artists, engineers, programmers and designers at Bethesda, is seen as an important milestone in the gaming industry. “Together, we are fighting for the betterment of every BGS employee and setting a new standard in our industry,” the group, united under the name ‘OneBGSUSA,’ said in a statement on Twitter.
Mandi Parker, senior systems designer at Bethesda, said in a press release, “Bringing democracy to the workplace and ensuring a protected voice at work will benefit every employee. We are excited to win a fair contract to prove that we are a force for positive change in our working conditions, our lives, and our company.”
Bethesda’s unionization is part of a growing trend of unionization in the industry, with Sega of America ratifying a contract earlier this year and Activision’s quality control workers declaring their own union. Microsoft has previously stated that it will not block the possibility of Activision Blizzard unionizing, and this stance also applies to Bethesda Game Studios.
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