“Without us, Bethesda games aren’t Bethesda games”: Rallies against Microsoft layoffs at Elder Scrolls studio continue, with unionised devs’ morale “on the upswing”

===The Heart of Bethesda: Devs Rally Against Layoffs, Fight to Preserve Studio Identity===

[Image: A photo of protestors holding signs outside a Microsoft office building. Caption: “Bethesda developers rally against layoffs, determined to protect the studio’s unique identity.”]

The spirit of innovation and creativity that defines Bethesda Game Studios is under threat, as evidenced by ongoing protests against recent layoffs at the iconic studio. Developers are fighting not just for their jobs, but also for the very soul of Bethesda, arguing that without them, the games simply wouldn’t be “Bethesda games.” The situation highlights a critical juncture in the studio’s history, with developers determined to preserve its legacy.

Fighting for the Future: Developers Speak Out

Yesterday, August 18th, rallies further union rallies erupted across North America, fueled by outrage over Microsoft’s mass layoffs within Xbox studios. These demonstrations, organized by the One Bethesda Game Studio (OneBGS) union and supported by the Communication Workers of America (CWA), represent a powerful display of solidarity and resistance.

The latest wave of protests, dubbed Save Our Devs, took place in nine locations across the US and Canada. From Redmond, Washington, to Rockville, Maryland, and Austin, Texas, developers have repeatedly voiced their concerns. This time, rallies also occurred in Minneapolis and Albany.

Speaking with Kotaku, two unionized Bethesda developers – lead character artist Alex Nguyen and technical producer Nathan Hahn – shed light on the current atmosphere within the studio. Hahn revealed that the union had actually submitted a proposal to the company back in February outlining how to conduct a reduction in force. “The company sat on that for four months and did not give us a response before performing these layoffs,” he stated, highlighting a perceived lack of transparency and collaboration.

Nguyen countered suggestions that the layoffs only targeted “middle management,” emphasizing that “people on the ground making sure that this game works and putting it in the hands of players” have also been affected. Understandably, the layoffs have shaken the perception of stability and security at Bethesda and ZeniMax. Hahn acknowledged that “morale for our work at our jobs has never been lower” among remaining staff. However, he expressed optimism about the developers’ efforts to collectively organize, stating that morale in that regard is “on the upswing.”

Legal Challenges and Uncertain Timelines

The CWA union and its Canadian counterpart, CWA Canada, filed unfair labor practice complaints against Microsoft with the US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) last month. The unions allege that Microsoft failed to provide information to the union, engaged in bad-faith bargaining, implemented “coercive actions,” and modified employee contracts.

The layoffs have cast a shadow over the future development timelines of highly anticipated games like The Elder Scrolls 6 and The Elder Scrolls Online. Despite Microsoft’s attempts to usher out statements reassuring fans that everything is “hunky-dory” while simultaneously announcing a slew of new Elder Scrolls and Fallout games/expansions, the impact on development remains uncertain.

The fight for the future of Bethesda Game Studios is far from over. Developers are determined to ensure that the studio’s unique identity and creative spirit endure, even in the face of significant challenges.

Source: Rock Paper Shotgun