More than 300 unionized quality assurance testers at ZeniMax Media - responsible for testing major franchises from The Elder Scrolls to Doom - have secured a landmark tentative agreement with Microsoft nearly two years after forming their union.
A Watershed Moment for Game Industry Labor
ZeniMax Workers United, part of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), revealed the breakthrough deal includes game-changing provisions:
- Significant pay raises across all positions
- Salary floor guarantees
- Safeguards against unjust termination
- Formal dispute resolution processes
- AI usage protections affecting jobs
- Proper crediting policies for QA contributions
The agreement follows Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax for $8.1 billion in 2021, bringing renowned studios like Bethesda Game Studios (The Elder Scrolls, Starfield), id Software (Doom), and Arkane (Dishonored) under the Microsoft Gaming umbrella.
"Our industry generates billions annually, yet too often exploits the passion driving game creators," said bargaining committee member Jessee Leese. "Through collective action, we're reclaiming our fair share and setting a new precedent. This contract stands as an open invitation to all gaming professionals — real change starts when we unite."
A Hard-Fought Victory
The QA team's organizing journey faced numerous hurdles despite Microsoft's labor neutrality pledge:
- First walkout occurred November 2023 over stalled remote work negotiations
- Outsourcing allegations surfaced regarding bypassing union bargaining
- April 2024 saw overwhelming strike authorization votes
- Compensation levels remained key sticking points
Workers initially unionized in January 2023 following similar organizing efforts at Activision divisions Raven Software and Blizzard Albany.
The tentative agreement now faces ratification voting concluding June 20th. Successful approval would establish critical worker protections across one of gaming's most influential publisher portfolios.
