Nearly 250 employees at Bethesda Game Studios have joined a union

A significant number of employees at Bethesda Game Studios, known for Fallout and Elder Scrolls, have successfully unionized under the Communication Workers of America (CWA).

The CWA publicized the union's inception on its page, noting that 241 developers expressed their desire for union representation via signed authorization cards or an online platform.

According to a statement on X, the newly formed union, One BGS USA, includes "a majority of developers from Bethesda Game Studios in Dallas, Rockville, and Austin."

This marks the third studio owned by ZeniMax to unionize under the CWA, following the recent unionization of Bethesda Game Studios Montreal (dubbed One BGS Montreal) and ZeniMax Workers.

Microsoft, the parent company of ZeniMax and Bethesda, has officially recognized the union.

This development signifies the establishment of the "first comprehensive union at a Microsoft game studio," encompassing varied roles such as artists, engineers, designers, and programmers.

"We are so excited to announce our union at Bethesda Game Studio and join the movement sweeping across the video game industry," remarked Mandi Parker, a senior system designer and CWA member. She added, "It is clear that every worker can benefit from bringing democracy into the workplace and securing a protected voice on the job. We’re thrilled to get down to brass tacks and win a fair contract, proving that our unity is a source of real power to positively shape our working conditions, our lives, and the company as a whole."

The CWA also represents unions at various studios within Activision Blizzard, another Microsoft-owned entity. Microsoft entered into a labor neutrality agreement with CWA in July 2022, extending this agreement to ZeniMax employees earlier this year.

Other game industry unions affiliated with the CWA include those at Sega of America and Tender Claws, the developer behind Stranger Things VR.

In May, Microsoft closed down four studios under ZeniMax, including Tango Gameworks, known for Hi-Fi Rush, and Arkane Austin, the developer behind Redfall. More can be read here.