Bethesda Montreal Unionizes, Shaping Gaming Industry

Bethesda Game Studios Montreal's unionization bid shines a light on the video game industry's ongoing struggles. The past year and a half has seen significant upheaval, including widespread layoffs and studio closures, even impacting seemingly successful developers. This unpredictability has eroded trust in the industry's stability among both developers and fans.

Beyond layoffs, the industry grapples with issues like crunch time, discrimination, and unfair wages. Unionization has emerged as a potential solution. Vodeo Games' 2021 unionization marked a significant first in North America, and this trend appears to be accelerating.

Bethesda Game Studios Montreal's recent announcement of its unionization filing with the Quebec Labour Board, aiming to join the Canadian Communications Workers of America, reflects this growing movement. This action is perhaps unsurprising given recent events, particularly Xbox's closure of four other Bethesda studios.

Bethesda Game Studios Montreal's Unionization Announcement

The sudden closures, including Tango Gameworks (Hi-Fi Rush's developer), have left gamers demanding answers from Xbox. While executives have been tight-lipped, hints suggest Shinji Mikami's departure played a role, despite efforts to prevent it.

Bethesda Game Studios Montreal's unionization effort signifies a proactive response to industry instability and a push for improved working conditions. CWA Canada has publicly congratulated the studio, expressing eagerness for collaboration. Bethesda Game Studios Montreal hopes its move will inspire other developers to advocate for better worker rights within the gaming industry.