Starfield, The Elder Scrolls Online devs are voting to unionize

Over 300 quality assurance testers at Microsoft-owned ZeniMax Media have begun to vote on whether or not they should form a union, according to a report by The New York Times. ZeniMax Media is the parent company of developers like Bethesda Game Studios and Arkane Studios, who are working on some of Xbox’s biggest upcoming first-party exclusives like Starfield and Redfall. These unionizing efforts come as studios that are part of Activision Blizzard, which Microsoft is currently in the process of acquiring, are also unionizing.

The New York Times report says that quality assurance employees are signing union authorization cards or voting for or against the union electronically as part of “an informal agreement in which Microsoft is staying neutral.” The workers are organized with the help of the Communications Workers of America, and the process is expected to conclude by the end of December.

CODE-CWA's booth appears at GDC.

Developers who worked on games like Starfield and The Elder Scrolls Online and spoke to The New York Times cited low pay, crunch, arbitrary methods of training and promotion, and more as reasons to unionize. A Microsoft spokesperson told the publication that the company is “committed to providing employees with an opportunity to freely and fairly make choices about their workplace representation” and that the company was “talking to employees to ensure that they were not taking on too much work.” Throughout 2022, unionizing has become a major trend in the North American video game industry as developers, namely game testers who work long hours for low pay, fight to improve their poor working conditions. Raven Software and Blizzard Albany QA employees have previously voted to unionize.

If all these unionizing efforts and the Activision Blizzard acquisition are successful, Microsoft will be the first gaming platform holding with multiple unionized game studios.

Editors’ Recommendations

Tags:

matalan listed on couponmatrix.ukcolumbia listed on couponmatrix.ukkitlocker listed on couponmatrix.uknike-store listed on couponmatrix.ukninja-kitchen listed on couponmatrix.ukthe-range listed on couponmatrix.uk
matalan listed on couponmatrix.ukValue for money is Matalan’s middle name. For those holiday basics, family essentials and garden must-haves, it’s all in one place at Matalan – where your money is guaranteed to go further. We’re suckers for a great deal, so the next time you need to stock up on Matalan dresses or home decor, head straight to our page for Matalan discount codes to cut the cost of your order. At Groupon, we track every Matalan sale and hand-pick the best Matalan deals available on the website now, so it’s easier than ever to manage a family budget.
columbia listed on couponmatrix.ukThere ain’t no mountain high enough for Columbia to conquer. As experts in providing quality clothing, footwear and accessories for outdoor enthusiasts worldwide, all an avid traveller needs to see new sights without breaking the bank is the latest Columbia discount code from Groupon. Be it for a family trek around The Lake District or a private endeavour up peaks abroad, know that you can trust Columbia clothing to help you go the distance.
kitlocker listed on couponmatrix.ukIf you’re after training gear, exercise equipment or a new workout outfit, you’ve come to the right place - Kitlocker is your go-to for the biggest brands at the best prices. Shop the awesome range of Nike, adidas and more with a Kitlocker discount code from us - there’s no need to pay full price with these great savings! If you’re working out at home, you’ll want the right gear to get motivated. Get kitted out for less at Kitlocker!
nike-store listed on couponmatrix.ukNike, and its legendary swoosh logo, is one of the most iconic brands in the world. Originally a running shoe manufacturer, it now creates clothing, equipment and footwear for pretty much every sport, as well as leading the way in fashion and streetwear. Nike pioneered the use of sportspeople as crucial components of its products, working with legendary figures such as Michael Jordan, Serena Williams and Cristiano Ronaldo. You can regularly save up to as much as 75% on goods through sales and discount codes. Arguably the ultimate manufacturer of sportswear and sporting equipment, you'll struggle to find a sport that Nike doesn’t cater for. Everything from shorts to shin pads, bikinis to basketballs, they’re also experts in streetwear and loungewear, as well as being famous for some of the world’s most recognisable footwear. The legendary Air Max range is joined by iconic silhouettes such as the Air Force One, Cortez and Blazer. The discounts are just as dizzying, with seasonal deals and hefty price drops ensuring there’s always a bargain to be had.
ninja-kitchen listed on couponmatrix.ukIf you're looking for sleek, stylish and reliable kitchen accessories, Ninja Kitchen is brand to buy. From personal blenders and food processors to air fryers and slow cookers, your new Ninja Kitchen appliance will complete your kitchen. Turn meal times from stressful to blissful with a Ninja Kitchen discount code and get cooking up a storm for less. Whether you want to slow roast a chicken dinner or simply whip up a few delicious smoothies, Ninja Kitchen has the perfect kitchen gadget for you.
the-range listed on couponmatrix.ukIf you’re in the market for something to spruce your home up then get involved at The Range. Stocking over 65000 products across 16 departments, The Range is committed to bringing their customers great quality products at the most competitive prices. With such a choice of products, regardless of the style you love, you’ll find everything to kit out your home exactly as you want it, and with a The Range discount code you’ll save money on their already incredible prices.