Bethesda Montreal Unionizes Amidst Growing Industry Push

Bethesda Game Studios Montreal's recent unionization bid highlights growing labor unrest within the video game industry. The past year and a half has seen significant upheaval, including widespread layoffs and studio closures, even affecting seemingly successful developers. This unpredictability has eroded trust in the industry's job security among developers and fans alike.

Beyond layoffs, the industry grapples with issues such as excessive crunch time, discrimination, and unfair wages. Unionization is increasingly seen as a potential solution. Vodeo Games' 2021 unionization marked a significant first in North America, and this trend appears to be gaining momentum.

Bethesda Game Studios Montreal's decision to file for union certification with the Canadian Communications Workers of America (CWA) follows this pattern. This move is particularly noteworthy given Xbox's recent closure of four other Bethesda studios, fueling speculation and raising concerns.

Bethesda Game Studios Montreal's Unionization Announcement

The sudden closure of studios like Tango Gameworks (developers of Hi-Fi Rush) has left gamers demanding answers from Xbox. While executives have offered limited explanations, hints suggest Shinji Mikami's departure played a significant role, despite efforts to prevent such an outcome.

Bethesda Game Studios Montreal's unionization reflects a broader effort by developers to improve working conditions and reduce the risk of similar situations. CWA Canada has welcomed the news, expressing eagerness to collaborate. Bethesda Game Studios Montreal hopes its action will inspire other developers to advocate for better worker rights within the industry.