ZeniMax QA Workers Secure Tentative Contract with Microsoft

In a significant milestone for the video game industry, over 300 quality assurance (QA) workers at ZeniMax have reached a tentative contract agreement with Microsoft. This development is the first union contract agreement at Microsoft since the industry-wide push for unionization began about four years ago.

Organized under the Communication Workers of America (CWA), the ZeniMax Workers United union was voluntarily recognized by Microsoft in 2023 as part of a labor neutrality agreement. Since then, negotiations have been ongoing, including a one-day strike protesting return-to-office and outsourcing policies, and a strike authorization vote earlier this year.

The tentative contract includes several key provisions that address longstanding concerns among QA workers, who are often among the lowest paid in the industry. These provisions include guaranteed wage increases, protections against arbitrary dismissal, and clear guidelines for crediting workers on game projects—an important issue given how many contributors can be overlooked in game credits.

This contract sets a precedent not only within Microsoft but across the video game industry, signaling what unionized workers can achieve through collective bargaining. It follows the pioneering unionization of Raven Software QA workers in 2022, which was the first at a major AAA publisher.

The ratification vote is scheduled for late June, and if approved, this agreement could inspire further union efforts and contract negotiations across the gaming sector. It highlights the growing momentum of organized labor within an industry historically resistant to unionization.

Why This Matters for the Gaming Industry

Quality assurance is a critical yet often undervalued part of game development. By securing better wages and protections, QA workers can contribute with greater stability and morale, which ultimately benefits game quality and production timelines.

Moreover, clear crediting guidelines ensure fair recognition, which can impact career advancement and industry reputation. This contract could serve as a blueprint for other studios aiming to foster more equitable and sustainable working conditions.

As unionization efforts continue to gain traction, the ZeniMax agreement demonstrates the tangible benefits collective bargaining can bring to workers and companies alike. It’s a turning point that could reshape labor relations in the video game industry for years to come.