Microsoft's gaming division layoffs result in reduced working conditions and deteriorating work morale for ZeniMax QA testers, described as "whiplash." Despite this, the union persists in its efforts.
In the wake of Microsoft's recent mass layoffs that affected the Xbox gaming division, including ZeniMax Media, the ZeniMax Workers United-CWA (ZWU-CWA) and the related ZeniMax Online Studios United-CWA (ZOSU-CWA) unions have been actively advocating for their members.
The unannounced MMORPG project at ZeniMax Online Studios, known internally as Project Blackbird, was indefinitely shelved as part of the layoffs. This directly impacted about 222 developers who had been working on it. Despite this, these developers have not yet been laid off; they remain salaried employees with full benefits while the union bargains with Microsoft about their future.
The unions have criticized Microsoft’s sudden communication approach for the layoffs, stating that on July 2nd, many workers were left uncertain about their employment status without prior notice from Microsoft leadership.
However, the unions emphasize that although layoffs may be inevitable for some members, their organizing efforts have secured better support, clearer information, and dignity for those who will be impacted. The unions are actively negotiating severance terms and other protections to mitigate the effects on laid-off workers.
Beyond the developers of the cancelled MMO, the unions intend to continue their work supporting remaining staff, such as those still developing The Elder Scrolls Online, and look forward to other related union units securing fair contracts for workers’ rights.
The unions have also publicly expressed solidarity with other development teams impacted across Microsoft’s games division and criticized broader management decisions, aiming to bring clarity and support where they see Microsoft has failed.
In a significant development, Microsoft-owned ZeniMax Media ratified a contract with Microsoft in June, securing better pay and principles for AI usage. This new contract provides guidelines for how long a contracted employee can expect to work for and the process for potential conversion to full-time employment.
Unionizing is seen as the best way for video game workers to protect themselves, and before the cuts, over 300 workers were part of ZeniMax Workers United. Although the exact number of layoffs is not shared by the Communication Workers of America, the union's focus remains on protecting the rights and interests of video game workers.
In conclusion, ZeniMax Workers United-CWA and its related unions remain active and focused on advocacy and negotiations following Microsoft’s mass layoffs, seeking to protect worker rights and support affected employees through a difficult transition period while continuing to represent remaining staff within ZeniMax Media’s studios.
[1] ZeniMax Workers United-CWA Press Release [2] ZeniMax Online Studios United-CWA Press Release [3] Microsoft Layoff Announcement [4] CWA Statement on Microsoft Layoffs
- Despite the indefinite shelving of Project Blackbird at ZeniMax Online Studios, the affected developers remain salaried employees, with the unions advocating for their future with Microsoft.
- The ZeniMax Workers United-CWA and related unions are actively negotiating severance terms and protections for laid-off workers, aiming to mitigate the effects of the mass layoffs within Microsoft's games division.
- The recently ratified contract between Microsoft and ZeniMax Media underlines better pay and principles for the use of AI, providing guidelines for contracted employees' tenure and potential conversion to full-time employment.
- Unionizing efforts persist within the gaming industry, as seen by the over 300 workers who were part of ZeniMax Workers United before the layoffs, and the unions' continued focus on protecting workers' rights and interests.
- The unions have expressed solidarity with other development teams affected across Microsoft's games division, criticizing management decisions and aiming to bring clarity and support where they see Microsoft has failed, while also representing remaining staff within ZeniMax Media's studios.
