The quality assurance testers at Bethesda and ZeniMax Studios have reached a breaking point after two years of negotiations with Microsoft. We’ve discovered that over 300 QA testers have voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a strike.
The thing is, many of these workers play crucial roles in testing new games and maintaining the stability of old ones. If you play games like The Elder Scrolls Online and Fallout 76, you might have to worry.
The vote does not mean an immediate work stoppage, but it does give the union the power to call one if Microsoft fails to meet their demands. Bethesda also has upcoming releases like Doom: The Dark Ages, so the consequences could be dire.
Why are the workers of ZeniMax Workers United threatening to strike?
The main issues behind this possible strike are what ZeniMax Workers United (ZWU) describe as chronic underpayment, return-to-office (RTO) policies that are financially unsustainable, and the outsourcing of in-house QA work. “We’ve had to continuously fight for what should be the bare minimum,” said QA tester Aubrey Litchfield. (via Kotaku)
It’s official: our members have overwhelmingly authorized a strike vote.
We are united and prepared to do what it takes to fight for our first contract. We’re done playing around with Microsoft. https://t.co/RIWshZMjFN
— ZeniMax Workers United – CWA (@ZeniMaxWorkers) April 1, 2025
Senior QA tester Zachary Armstrong criticized Microsoft’s return-to-office (RTO) policies, stating that many employees cannot afford to live in the cities where they are required to work. Many testers also criticize Microsoft’s outsourcing of quality assurance work, claiming the company is replacing in-house labor without consulting the union.
Microsoft insists that it has made “substantial progress” in negotiations. In a statement to The Verge, the company claimed to have reached tentative agreements on most issues and offered a package that includes immediate pay raises, enhanced benefits, and a hybrid work model requiring three days in-office per week.
Remote WORKS! RTO has got to GO!
ZeniMax Workers United @CWAUnion members picketed in Maryland and Texas last week to demand progress in bargaining with Microsoft subsidiary ZeniMax Studios. pic.twitter.com/RXyf1vFYbq
— CWA Next Generation (@CWANextGen) March 4, 2025
We have previously praised Microsoft for recognizing worker unions without resistance, especially compared to other gaming giants like Activision Blizzard. But we’re also seeing with the current situation that Microsoft’s willingness to negotiate fairly has its limits. But that’s all well and good, how does this affect you as a gamer, you might ask.
Elder Scrolls Online and Fallout 76 could be two of many affected titles
If a strike is called, the consequences will be felt very soon. QA testers are some of the unsung heroes of the gaming industry. They play a rucial role in identifying and fixing glitches before release. So the next time you play any game without facing a glitch or bug, thank the unnamed QA testers.
In Bethesda’s case, The Elder Scrolls VI is lready years away from completion, but this strike ould push its release date even further into the future. We could also see problems with support for ongoing support for Fallout 76 and The Elder Scrolls Online.
Doom: The Dark Ages is almost out, and the PS5 release of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is also coming up. So, Microsoft has a strong incentive to resolve this dispute before it escalates. A strike could negatively impact Microsoft’s gaming revenue, especially considering the competition in the market.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
