Workers at ZeniMax Online Studios, the studio behind the popular game The Elder Scrolls Online, have announced the formation of their union named ZOS United-CWA, officially recognized by their parent company Microsoft. This momentous development, which unfolded on December 12, 2024, is noteworthy not only for its immediate impact on the studio but also as part of a growing trend of unionization within the video game industry. The announcement came from the workers themselves via Bluesky, where they expressed pride and excitement at being able to band together for important workplace changes.
The new union encompasses 461 employees, including web developers, designers, graphics artists, and engineers, with the majority based out of Maryland, but others scattered across various states like California, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The fact this movement has gained traction highlights the increasing collective action taken by gaming industry workers who have long dealt with challenges such as job insecurity, intense workloads, and minimal protections. "With a union, we are looking forward to collectively pushing for improvements to the workplace, including job security, protections against AI, and enhanced pay and benefits – all within an industry we are deeply passionate about,” ZOS United-CWA stated.
This announcement is the culmination of months of organizing and negotiation, following the earlier efforts of ZeniMax’s Quality Assurance (QA) testers who unionized back in January 2023, setting the stage for today’s event. The previous group’s significant struggle faced labor disputes and even resulted in strike actions, showing how determined they were to secure their rights and improve conditions—for themselves and their colleagues. Now, following those strides, ZOS United aims to continue these discussions and push for systemic improvements across the studio.
Microsoft’s recognition of ZOS United-CWA aligns with its previously established Labor Neutrality Agreement with the Communications Workers of America (CWA), which allows employees to unionize without fear of corporate interference. This kind of corporate shift marks an evolution within the gaming industry, where unionization was once considered rare. The pledge to remain neutral is particularly noteworthy, especially considering Microsoft has experienced significant layoffs and studio closures since acquiring ZeniMax Media. These changes have created unease among employees, making union formation increasingly appealing.
Union members have voiced their hopes directly about what this new collective bargaining force could offer. By coming together, they look to create not only greater job security but also fight against perceived threats of displacement due to growing AI technologies. The industry as a whole is grappling with how to deal with artificial intelligence intruding on job roles, and this union aims to advocate for workers getting appropriate contracts and protections.
“I’m excited to finally see workers have a say in the workplace,” Billy Eichner, an encounter designer and member of ZOS United-CWA stated. “We already work together to make great games; why not work together to make a great workplace?” Voices like Eichner’s represent the empowerment felt by employees committed to improving their work environments alongside creating incredible gaming experiences.
Backtracking to earlier this year, the surge of union activity began with the QA division at ZeniMax, which has led to the formation of the largest union certified within the U.S. gaming sector. Workers across several prominent studios have taken cues from one another, inserting themselves onto this collective stage of labor advocacy. The formation of unions at companies like Blizzard, Bethesda, and Sega showcases how the labor movement within gaming is gaining momentum.
Other notable developments include the announcement of unionization efforts from the QA departments at Blizzard’s World of Warcraft, where over 500 employees shifted to formal representation. These initiatives are impactful, too, since the ripple effects of successful unions may inspire labor movements at studios still operating without such frameworks, fostering solidarity across the field.
Union representatives, including John Hartzell, principal economy designer at ZeniMax, have expressed gratitude to their fellow workers stepping up to organize collectively. "Today, I'm intensely proud of my coworkers at ZeniMax Online Studios who are joining thousands of video game workers exercising their power to bring more stability to the industry," Hartzell affirmed. Such comments lend insight not only on the value of community among these workers but also on the necessity for stability and protection within the rapidly changing gaming world.
The major economic changes affecting various studios across the industry, combined with layoffs and pressures from AI, have compelled workers to choose unionization as one way to press for rights, fair wages, and healthy working conditions. More than ever, it seems workers are seeking tangible methods to secure these changes, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction and desire for agency over their professional environments.
While details about future titles under development remain secretive, the united force of ZOS United could lead to more favorable conditions for creators and employees alike. The path forward remains uncertain, yet the collective will shown by these workers to demand change promises to keep the institution of unionization at the forefront of conversations across the gaming industry.
The growing trend of unions forming across the entertainment and tech landscapes of the U.S. suggests something is shifting within corporate workplaces. Industry giants like Microsoft are recognizing their employees' rights by embracing the unionization process, hinting at potentially more employee-friendly shifts to come, especially as the focus on healthy workplace cultures becomes increased. Analysts and industry observers alike are eager to watch how ZeniMax Online Studios operates within this new framework, particularly with regards to its flagship title, The Elder Scrolls Online.
Overall, as video game employees raise their collective voices for equity and fairness, they may be paving the way for sustainable professional lives rooted solidly at the intersection of creativity and protection. With attention directed at companies like ZeniMax, the possibilities for collaborations forged within this new era of unions remain exciting for workers and gamers alike—the type of union story we all love to see.