by Eleanor Jun 02,2025
Over 300 unionized quality assurance employees at ZeniMax Media, creators of iconic titles such as The Elder Scrolls and Doom, have reached a preliminary agreement with Microsoft, their parent company, on their inaugural contract two years after forming their union. Represented by ZeniMax Workers United under the Communications Workers of America (CWA), the deal encompasses significant across-the-board wage hikes, minimum salary thresholds, safeguards against arbitrary dismissals, grievance mechanisms, AI-related protections, and a crediting system ensuring QA staff receive due acknowledgment for their contributions to the games they help create.
ZeniMax Media oversees publishers like Bethesda Softworks and development studios including Bethesda Game Studios (The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Starfield), id Software (Doom, Quake, Rage), Arkane (Dishonored, Prey, Redfall), MachineGames (Wolfenstein, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle), and ZeniMax Online Studios (The Elder Scrolls Online). Microsoft acquired ZeniMax Media for $8.1 billion in March 2021, integrating it into its Microsoft Gaming division.
"Video games have long been the top revenue generator within the entertainment sector, yet developers are frequently taken advantage of based on their passion and ingenuity," stated Jessee Leese, a member of the negotiation team. "Forming unions, negotiating contracts, and uniting with a unified voice empowers us to reclaim the authority we rightfully deserve. This initial contract serves as a call to action for gaming professionals globally. We are the architects of these creations, and we will establish benchmarks for equitable treatment."
QA personnel at ZeniMax initially unionized in January 2023, following similar moves at Raven Software and Blizzard Albany, after Microsoft publicly committed to labor neutrality. Despite these efforts, reaching an agreement proved arduous. Last November, workers staged a one-day walkout over stalled negotiations regarding remote work policies and accusations of outsourced QA roles without union consultation. Additionally, in April, employees decisively authorized a potential strike, reiterating concerns over remote work and inadequate pay.
The proposed contract awaits approval via a union member vote, anticipated to conclude by June 20.
How to Use Cheats in Balatro (Debug Menu Guide)
State of Play Reveals Exciting Updates: PlayStation February 2025 Showcase
Forsaken Characters Ranked: Tier List Update 2025
Wuthering Waves: Redeem Codes for January 2025 Released!
CD Projekt Confirms Witcher 4's Protagonist Shift
Roblox: Obtain Secret Codes for January 2025 (Updated)
Introducing LOK Digital on iOS & Android: Standalone Puzzle Innovation
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Delayed Again, Deep Dive on the Horizon
Offroad Mud Truck Game Offline
DownloadSpeed Car racing Simulator 3D
DownloadMonster Truck Go: Racing Games
DownloadTraffic Tour Classic
DownloadHighway Traffic Bike Race Moto
DownloadMoto Traffic Bike Race Game 3d
DownloadKart Racing Ultimate
DownloadPro Cycling Tour
DownloadSlingshot Crash
Download"Final Fantasy Tactics Remastered: The Ivalice Chronicles Revived"
Jun 20,2025
Space Invaders Infinity Gene Evolve gets major update on Apple Arcade
Jun 19,2025
"RE9: Requiem Preorder Details and DLCs Revealed"
Jun 19,2025
"Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Aimed to be Brief yet Intense, Producer Reveals"
Jun 19,2025
Latin American Games Showcase 2025: Latest Updates and Insights
Jun 18,2025