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 significant job losses and studio closures, even impacting 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 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 announcement of its unionization application to the Quebec Labour Board, aiming to join the Canadian Communications Workers of America, comes amidst recent controversy. Xbox's closure of four other Bethesda studios, including Tango Gameworks (Hi-Fi Rush's developer), has left many questioning the company's decisions. While Xbox executives haven't provided full explanations, hints suggest the departures of key figures, like Shinji Mikami, played a role.
This unionization effort at Bethesda Game Studios Montreal signifies a proactive step by developers to secure job security and improve working conditions. CWA Canada has publicly congratulated the studio, expressing eagerness to collaborate. Bethesda Game Studios Montreal hopes its action will encourage other developers to advocate for better workers' rights within the industry.