For the first time in its history, Microsoft has agreed to a union contract in the United States — and it’s with the quality assurance (QA) workers of ZeniMax Studios, the video game developer behind The Elder Scrolls Online. This is a major moment if you work in or follow the gaming industry.
The union involved is ZeniMax Workers United-CWA, which represents QA employees across the studio. On June 20, union members officially voted to ratify the agreement with Microsoft, making the contract binding and the first of its kind for the tech giant in the U.S.
Microsoft confirms that ZeniMax workers have officially ratified the agreement it struck with the company’s 300-person QA union. This is Microsoft’s first contract with a union in the U.S., gaming or otherwise Details on what’s in the deal, from my May article: www.gamefile.news/p/zenimax-mi…
— Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo.bsky.social) June 20, 2025 at 5:28 AM
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While it’s Microsoft’s first union contract, this result didn’t happen overnight. Workers at ZeniMax initially voted to unionise in 2023. Microsoft, unlike many other large tech companies, quickly recognised the vote and formally accepted the union without resistance. This positive stance was reaffirmed in early 2024 when Microsoft published its neutrality agreement towards union activity at ZeniMax.
What the contract includes
This contract brings meaningful improvements for those working behind the scenes in game development. The deal includes guaranteed wage increases and clearly defined minimum salaries. This is especially important in the gaming world, where pay for QA roles is often inconsistent and under-compensated compared to other positions.
One of the standout provisions in the contract is its approach to crediting. Many QA testers in the industry have long felt their work goes unnoticed in final game releases. With this agreement, Microsoft and ZeniMax have committed to a clearer crediting policy that properly acknowledges the role of QA professionals in a game’s development. It’s a win for recognition and visibility in an industry where many contributions are often left out of the spotlight.
Another key area is artificial intelligence. The contract includes protections against the misuse of AI in ways that could harm workers’ roles or impact their job security. As AI tools become more common in game development, having built-in safeguards is becoming more important.
A model for the future?
The successful ratification of this contract may signal a shift in how major tech and gaming companies approach labour relations. Microsoft’s willingness to collaborate and uphold a neutral stance could influence how other large firms respond to union efforts.
If you’re part of the gaming community, this agreement might also affect how you view the games you love. The QA teams who ensure those games run smoothly are often overlooked, but at least at ZeniMax, they’ve taken a step towards being fairly treated, credited, and paid for their work.
Neither Microsoft nor the Communications Workers of America (CWA) have released detailed public statements on the final terms, but the ratification marks a clear milestone. Microsoft has shown that a tech giant can respect organised labour, and this agreement could set the tone for other studios across the industry.
