In a historic move for the gaming industry, employees at Bethesda Game Studios, the powerhouse behind beloved franchises like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, have officially formed a union. This marks a significant milestone as Bethesda becomes the first Microsoft-owned game studio to achieve a “wall-to-wall” union—a comprehensive representation that spans across all departments and job roles.
The Communication Workers of America (CWA) announced this development, highlighting that the new union encompasses a diverse range of positions from artists and engineers to programmers and designers. With 241 workers either signing union cards or expressing intent through an online portal, this union promises a united front across the entire studio.
Microsoft has acknowledged the union’s formation and expressed support for employees' rights to representation, committing to engage in good faith negotiations with the CWA.
Mandi Parker, a senior system designer at Bethesda, shared her enthusiasm about the union, stating, “We are thrilled to join the growing movement within the video game industry. This step is crucial in ensuring that every worker has a voice and a say in their workplace.”
The formation of this union at Bethesda not only underscores a broader shift in the industry but also sets a precedent for other studios considering similar moves. As the video game sector navigates this new era of worker empowerment, Bethesda’s landmark decision could well inspire other companies to follow suit.
