Video game workers reach historic tentative agreement with Microsoft

More than 300 quality assurance (QA) workers at Microsoft’s video game subsidiary ZeniMax Media have reached a tentative agreement with the company, marking a first-of-its-kind contract for the U.S. video game industry.

“This agreement sets a new benchmark for respecting workers’ rights in an industry defined by light-speed change,” said Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union. “It proves that video game workers are not just ready to organize—they’re ready to lead the way in building a fairer, more democratic industry.”

The deal, which covers workers represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) in Maryland and Texas, follows nearly two years of bargaining and comes under a broader labour neutrality agreement with Microsoft signed in 2022.

The proposed contract includes across-the-board wage increases, new minimum salaries, protections against unjust termination, a grievance process, and formal recognition of QA workers’ contributions to game development. It also includes a previously agreed framework on the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace.

Workers at ZeniMax, the maker of popular franchises including The Elder Scrolls and Doom, formed the first certified union within Microsoft’s video game division in 2023. Since then, more than 2,000 Microsoft game workers have joined CWA under the neutrality agreement, which allows workers to unionize without employer interference.

“Workers in the video game industry are demonstrating once again that collective power works. This agreement shows what’s possible when workers stand together and refuse to accept the status quo,” said CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. “Whether it’s having a say about the use of AI in the workplace, fighting for significant wage increases and fair crediting policies, or protecting workers from retaliation, our members have raised the bar. We’re proud to support them every step of the way.”

The contract now heads to members for a ratification vote, expected to conclude by June 20.