Tentative Agreement Follows Strike Threat and Two Years of Negotiations

In a landmark moment for the gaming industry, video game workers at Microsoft-owned ZeniMax Media have reached a tentative agreement on their first labor contract, averting a potential strike.

The deal, achieved after two years of negotiations and intense discussions, could reshape the labor landscape for game development professionals across the country.

A Monumental Moment for QA Staff

More than 300 quality assurance workers across ZeniMax Online Studios sites in Maryland and Texas are covered by the new provisional deal.

Represented by three Communications Workers of America (CWA) Locals, the workers voted to authorize a strike just a month ago, signaling their readiness to challenge one of the world’s most powerful tech companies.

Page Branson, a QA tester and member of the bargaining committee, hailed the agreement as a “monumental victory” for current and future video game workers. “Going toe-to-toe with one of the largest corporations in the world isn’t a small feat,” Branson said.

Microsoft Responds with Optimism

In a statement, a Microsoft spokesperson described the agreement as a “meaningful step forward” that reflects a “shared commitment to constructive dialogue and a common goal of fostering a positive workplace.”

Contract Highlights: Wages, AI Policies, and Protections

Though details are sparse ahead of the final ratification vote on June 20, the union has shared some of the key wins in the deal. These include:

• Minimum salary increases and wage boosts for all represented workers
• New crediting policy to formally recognize QA testers’ contributions to game development
• Grievance procedures to handle disputes fairly and efficiently
• Protections against arbitrary dismissal, offering job security in a volatile industry

Crucially, the agreement also cements a previously established policy on artificial intelligence. Under this policy, Microsoft must provide advance notice of any AI use that may impact union members and must negotiate any such impacts with the union upon request. These principles mark a significant step in addressing how new technologies affect video game workers.

Industry Impact and Union Expansion

ZeniMax employees were the first video game workers to organize under Microsoft, setting a precedent for future organizing efforts. Thanks to a labor neutrality agreement struck between Microsoft and the CWA in 2022, the company agreed to voluntarily recognize the union if a majority of workers showed support.

CWA District 2-13 vice president Mike Davis called the agreement a strong foundation for upcoming labor campaigns. “This is just the beginning,” Davis said, signaling broader aspirations for organizing across the video game industry.

The Future of Video Game Labor

This deal could become a model for future union contracts in the industry, especially as concerns about job security, technological disruption, and fair recognition of labor continue to dominate discussions. For video game workers, it represents both a breakthrough and a new standard for what’s possible when workers unite.