In the past few years, many individuals throughout the video game industry are adamant to find a footing to bring unionizing to the market. For many creators & developers, there is no current place that completely embraced this at a large-scale. Previously, we’ve witnessed the forms of Riot Games protest for against its leadership with unionization believed to prevent further misuse of power.
Currently, Microsoft has said to be a big believer and backer for unionization. Last year, a Microsoft spokesperson in a statement to Axios Gaming expressed to be in favor of forming a union under the context of Activision Blizzard. This approach even appeared to favor the firm’s progress for its latest acquisition plans this past summer also.
According to Axios Gaming this week, ZeniMax Studios has officially voted to integrate unionization for its employees with a supermajority vote being made. “We’re thrilled to kick off 2023 in a workplace that’s stronger and more equitable than it was last year,” says Skylar Hinnant, game tester.
“We want to put an end to sudden periods of crunch, unfair pay, and lack of growth opportunities within the company,” game tester Victoria Banos said in a separate comment. Microsoft even game a statement on the decision from the Bethesda parent company as well: “We look forward to engaging in good faith negotiations as we work towards a collective bargaining agreement.”
How this will be handled has yet to be disclosed. But, the decision will be widespread for many teams including Arkane Studios, id Software, and even Bethesda Game Studios. While Microsoft did appear to be in favor for its current $69 billion deal with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) thanks to backing unions, that might not be enough with the same entity forming a lawsuit to block the purchase. You can read the full report by heading here.
What are your thoughts on ZeniMax studios on this recent vote?
Source: Axios Gaming
