Bethesda game testers fight for better working conditions. Microsoft already answered them

Testers employed at ZeniMax Media, a Microsoft-owned group that includes studios like Bethesda, Arkane, MachineGames, and id Software, are preparing to strike.

1. It's about testers affiliated with the trade union, which is part of the nationwide organization, the Communication Workers of America (CWA).
2. In the vote, 94% of these testers gave union leaders authorization to manage a strike.
3. This doesn't necessarily mean that the strike will definitely happen. The union leaders now simply have the ability to manage it without further consultation with the workers. This move is intended to give them a stronger negotiating position in talks with Microsoft.

The union's main demands are for higher salaries and more flexibility regarding remote work permits. Both of these demands are strongly related to each other.

1. ZeniMax Media is reportedly paying testers rates close to the minimum allowed by law.
2. Union members argue that it is no longer enough for them to live decently, as the cost of living has significantly increased in recent years.
3. Furthermore, Microsoft has recently been trying to require its employees to return to physical offices, which means testers don't have the option of living in cheaper cities, where these salaries would provide a better standard of living.

Commenting on the situation, representatives from Microsoft and ZeniMax Media stated that their latest offer is, in their opinion, fair. It provides a salary increase and a hybrid work model, under which employees must spend at least three days in the office each week.

The conflict between this union and Microsoft has been escalating for quite some time. In November last year, a one-day warning strike was held.

The next game to be released by ZeniMax Media group will be Doom: The Dark Ages. The game will be released on May 15th this year on PC, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and PlayStation 5.

1. ZeniMax Media official website

Doom: The Dark Ages

May 15, 2025

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• Microsoft
• Bethesda
• Xbox Game Studios / Microsoft Gaming
• ZeniMax Media