ZeniMax QA testers face whiplash and “rancid” work morale following Microsoft’s gaming layoffs — but the union still fights

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Just a few short weeks ago, quality assurance testers at Microsoft-owned ZeniMax Media were filled with joy and pride.

ZeniMax Workers United-CWA was established in 2023, and after nearly two years of negotiations and coming close to a strike, the union reached an agreement with Microsoft, guaranteeing better wages, principles for ethical AI usage, and more.

However, on July 2nd, Microsoft announced a series of layoffs affecting various departments, including Xbox – a division that encompasses multiple companies, including ZeniMax.

This sudden turn of events has left many testers at ZeniMax Workers United feeling disoriented and shocked by the quick sequence of events. Although the Communication Workers of America (CWA) hasn’t yet revealed exact numbers, it is known that over 300 workers were part of ZeniMax Workers United before the cuts, and some testers have indeed been affected – as confirmed by Windows Central.

Across our entire studio, it feels like we’ve unexpectedly let go of numerous skilled, exceptional team members. Each individual who was terminated was someone I relied on to complete tasks effectively, and individuals whom we truly depended upon. This situation is particularly challenging because it seems so unjustified.

Page Branson, Senior QA Tester

One employee describes the atmosphere at work as dismal, with many employees being upset and disappointed. Page Branson, a senior QA tester who works on The Elder Scrolls Online and is part of the union’s negotiating team, shares that the recent layoffs have had a significant impact on the remaining staff.

“It was one of the most emotionally challenging workdays I’ve ever experienced at any job, witnessing the events unfold in real time,” Branson explains.

“We lost numerous skilled and talented individuals for what appears to be no reason. Each person who was laid off was someone I relied on to do the job well, and people we desperately needed. This is what makes this situation particularly difficult.”

The CWA is currently offering support to those who were let go and those who remain at ZeniMax but are feeling the absence of their team members.

“It’s comforting to know that the CWA is advocating for those who were laid off in any way they can,” Branson adds.

Almost two years of fighting for a contract

After nearly two years of discussions with ZeniMax Workers United-CWA, Microsoft finally agreed to a contract in June. This agreement, unique in its kind, Branson referred to as a “grassroots” initiative, involving concessions from all parties. As she puts it, we’ve arrived at an excellent position, and it serves as a strong foundation for what follows.

During the negotiations, the issue of remote work was a contentious point, with debates surrounding whether testers could work remotely. Although the union agreed to a hybrid work policy, they remain vigilant about this matter in future contracts.

Prior to the layoffs, Jessee Leese, a QA contractor at ZeniMax, spoke with Windows Central and shared that wage increases were implemented “at the start” of the negotiation period, with substantial boosts for testers who had been underpaid, considering the basic cost-of-living adjustments.

Historically, ZeniMax Media has primarily hired testers on contract terms, implying that high performers might receive permanent offers in theory. However, there was often ambiguity regarding when or if this transition would occur. This contract aims to bring transparency to such situations.

The new contract establishes guidelines, ensuring that management provides clarity about the duration of a contracted position and the process for potential conversion into a full-time role.

The contract also addresses popular concerns regarding guidelines on outsourcing and AI system implementation. Although the union doesn’t aim to prohibit their use, they advocated for Microsoft to avoid replacing existing employees with external workers or AI technology in job roles.

Additionally, the union pushed for improved acknowledgment policies within ZeniMax Media. Now, they are responsible for maintaining an online record to ensure that everyone involved in creating a game receives appropriate credit for their contributions.

Creating top-quality items or artistic masterpieces becomes challenging when you’re constantly worried about the possibility of losing your job.

Leese clarifies that many difficulties we faced with our contract were because we had to create everything from the ground up. Once problems were resolved, it simplified negotiations for other gaming teams seeking their initial contracts.

Leese and others maintained communication with organizers at other unionizing workers within Microsoft’s gaming division, including those at Blizzard Albany and the World of Warcraft team.

This laborious effort was worth it, but the unexpected layoffs added to the pain.

Branson expresses, “It’s impossible to create quality products or art when you live in constant fear of losing your job. I ask for compassion from people now to acknowledge the human toll of a decision like this.

So, what happens now?

At the moment I’m writing this, the Communication Workers of America (CWA) is still in negotiations for numerous unionized employees at ZeniMax Online Studios. These workers’ jobs are uncertain following the cancellation of their team’s project, code-named Blackbird, which happened just months after Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer reportedly couldn’t resist playing it.

Since these employees are part of a union but haven’t yet finalized a specific contract, they retain their positions while the specifics of severance packages are being decided upon by Microsoft’s legal team and the CWA. Although many may still be let go, having a union offers them an added layer of protection that wouldn’t exist otherwise.

Unionization isn’t a foolproof solution against layoffs, but for employees like Branson and others I’ve spoken with, it’s more essential now than ever to have as much protection as possible. For those working under Microsoft or other North American gaming companies who haven’t yet unionized, they are urged to join United Videogame Workers-CWA.

The future for ZeniMax Workers United-CWA isn’t clear, but the union won’t stop advocating. According to Branson, “Organizing and unionizing will be the best way video game workers can protect themselves. They should do that as soon as possible.

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2025-07-17 13:09