CWA revealed that ZeniMax’s unionized QA teams, under Bethesda’s ownership, reached a significant provisional contract with Microsoft following almost two years of talks.

Though pending final approval, this agreement establishes industry benchmarks with notable salary hikes and base pay requirements. For QA roles, which typically lack stability, this development marks a crucial advancement.

In the CWA’s press release, Bethesda employees involved in the negotiations provided insights into the agreement’s impact. Jessee Leese, a ZeniMax QA analyst, commented:

“Video games have been the revenue titan of the entire entertainment industry for years, and the workers who develop these games are too often exploited for their passion and creativity. Organizing unions, bargaining for a contract, and speaking with one collective voice has allowed workers to take back the autonomy we all deserve […] Our first contract is an invitation for video game professionals everywhere to take action. We’re the ones who make these games, and we’ll be the ones to set new standards for fair treatment.”

Page Branson, a Senior QA Tester, further stated:

“QA workers from across the country continue to lead the charge for industry-wide change […] Going toe-to-toe with one of the largest corporations in the world isn’t a small feat. This is a monumental victory for all current video game workers and for those that come after.”

Previously, hundreds of Bethesda developers across U.S. locations formed a comprehensive union aiming to redefine industry norms, demonstrating ongoing efforts by ZeniMax staff to advocate for improved workplace conditions within Microsoft and Xbox.