Bethesda Game Studios Montreal's recent unionization bid highlights the ongoing instability within the video game industry. The past year and a half has seen widespread layoffs and studio closures, impacting even seemingly successful developers. This unpredictability has eroded trust among developers and fans alike.
Beyond layoffs, the industry grapples with issues such as excessive crunch time, discrimination, and inadequate compensation. Unionization is increasingly viewed as a potential solution. Vodeo Games' 2021 unionization marked a significant first in North American gaming, and this trend appears to be accelerating.
Bethesda Game Studios Montreal's announcement of its unionization filing with Quebec's Labour Board, aiming to join the Canadian Communications Workers of America, comes against the backdrop of Xbox's recent closure of four other Bethesda studios. This move, particularly following the closure of Tango Gameworks (developers of Hi-Fi Rush), is unsurprising given the industry climate.
Bethesda Game Studios Montreal Unionization Announcement
Xbox's lack of transparency regarding these closures, including the reasons behind Tango Gameworks' shutdown, has fueled fan frustration. While executives have offered limited explanations, hints from Xbox executive Matt Booty suggest Shinji Mikami's departure played a role, despite attempts to prevent it.
Bethesda Game Studios Montreal's unionization effort reflects a desire for greater job security and improved working conditions. CWA Canada has publicly welcomed the studio's decision, expressing eagerness to collaborate. Bethesda Game Studios Montreal hopes to inspire other developers to advocate for better worker rights within the industry.
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