Microsoft QA Workers Union Reaches Tentative Contract Deal

More than 300 unionized quality assurance workers at ZeniMax Media, involved in major titles such as The Elder Scrolls and Doom, have announced a tentative agreement with parent company Microsoft on their first labor contract, two years after forming their union.

ZeniMax Workers United, which is organized under the Communications Workers of America (CWA), stated the deal delivers significant wage increases across all levels, establishes minimum salaries, provides safeguards against unjust termination, outlines clear grievance procedures, includes protections regarding the use of artificial intelligence that may affect jobs, and implements a crediting policy to ensure QA staff receive proper recognition in the games they help develop.

ZeniMax Media owns publisher Bethesda Softworks and development studios 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 completed its $8.1 billion acquisition of ZeniMax Media in March 2021 and runs it as part of the Microsoft Gaming division.

“For years, video games have consistently generated the highest revenues in the entertainment industry, yet the developers behind them are frequently taken advantage of because of their passion and creativity,” said Jessee Leese, a bargaining committee member.

“By forming unions, negotiating contracts, and uniting our voices, we’ve regained the autonomy every worker deserves. This first contract sends a message to video game professionals everywhere: it’s time to act. We build these games—and we’re the ones who will define new standards for fair treatment.”

ZeniMax QA workers originally unionized in January 2023, following similar efforts at Raven Software and Blizzard Albany, after Microsoft publicly committed to labor neutrality. Still, reaching a contract proved difficult. Last November, workers held a one-day strike over stalled negotiations concerning remote work protections and claims that Microsoft was outsourcing QA roles without union consultation. Then, in April, members voted overwhelmingly to authorize another strike, again raising issues around remote work and inadequate pay.

The tentative contract now depends on ratification through a union member vote, which is expected to conclude by June 20.