‘We didn't have layoffs before, and now all of a sudden we have yearly layoffs’: Bethesda artist says ‘something has changed’ under Microsoft

Summary

Last week, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) alongside the OneBGS union at Bethesda Game Studios took part in the "Save Our Devs" rally across the United States, Canada, and on Twitch, to call out layoffs and corporate greed across the industry and demand fair first contracts for Microsoft’s gaming studios. Speaking to Kotaku, Bethesda artist Alex noted a significant shift under Microsoft's ownership, stating, "We didn't have layoffs before, and now all of a sudden we have yearly layoffs." This sentiment underscores a broader industry crisis as major publishers like Microsoft have conducted multiple rounds of cutbacks, closing studios and canceling projects. The rally reflects growing frustration among developers over job security and working conditions. For players, these layoffs can lead to canceled games and diminished quality, highlighting the importance of treating developers fairly. The union's efforts signal a push for lasting change in an industry often characterized by precarity, potentially influencing future labor practices and corporate accountability. The demonstrations were held simultaneously across multiple locations, drawing attention from both industry insiders and the gaming community at large. As the movement gains momentum, it may reshape how games are made and by whom.