By Sagar V. Mankar Bethesda Game Studios has officially become the first Microsoft-owned game developer to fully unionize under the Communication Workers of America (CWA). This historic move brings together a diverse group of developers, including artists, engineers, programmers, and designers, forming what is described as a “wall-to-wall” union. Microsoft has officially recognized the union.
The unionization process was solidified after 241 developers expressed their support by either signing a union authorization card or using an online portal to indicate their preference. This follows Bethesda Game Studios Montreal’s successful unionization in June and the earlier unionization of approximately 300 quality assurance (QA) workers at Zenimax, Bethesda’s parent company.
In a statement shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the group declared, “We, a majority of developers at Bethesda Game Studios Dallas, Rockville, and Austin, are ecstatic to announce the formation of our union with @CWAUnion. Together as #OneBGSUSA, we advocate for the betterment of every developer at BGS, setting the new standard for our industry.”
Unionization within the gaming industry has been steadily increasing as workers push for better job security and workplace protections. Earlier this year, Sega of America ratified a union contract, while QA workers at Activision also formed their own union. Microsoft has previously expressed its commitment to remaining neutral on unionization efforts, a stance that appears consistent with their recognition of Bethesda Game Studios’ union.
Sources: Communication Workers of America (CWA)