Unionizing the Gaming Industry: Bethesda's Montreal Studio Leads the Charge

In a significant move that reflects the growing labor movement within the video game industry, Bethesda Game Studios' (BGS) Montreal location has announced its decision to form a union. The developers of this renowned studio have filed for certification with the Quebec Labour Board, intending to unionize with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Canada. This decision comes at a time when the gaming industry is witnessing a surge in new unions being established, as workers seek to secure better working conditions and collective bargaining rights.

Empowering Creativity and Talent in the Gaming Industry

Unionizing for a Supportive Workplace

The One BGS MTL, the account representing the BGS Montreal union, has expressed its commitment to creating a supportive workplace that fosters creativity and talent. In a statement on X/Twitter, the union stated, "As a union, we will strive to make BGS a supportive workplace that fosters creativity and talent. This will allow us to keep creating some of the best video games in the industry, both in the jobs and at the studio we all love."This move by the BGS Montreal developers reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry, where workers are increasingly recognizing the value of collective bargaining and unionization. The formation of this union aligns with the growing labor movement that has seen the establishment of several other unions, such as Activision Quality Assurance United, the Allied Employees Guild Improving Sega (AEGIS), and the recent unionization of Avalanche Studios, the developer behind the Just Cause franchise.

Bethesda's Expansion and the Montreal Studio's Significance

Bethesda Game Studios, headquartered in Rockville, MD, announced the opening of its Montreal office in late 2015. The studio head for the Montreal location is Yves Lachance, who previously worked at Behaviour Interactive, another studio based in Montreal. Behaviour Interactive is best known for the asymmetrical horror game Dead by Daylight and had previously collaborated with Bethesda Game Studios to develop Fallout Shelter before the project was reassigned to the BGS Montreal team.The decision to establish a union at the BGS Montreal studio is a significant development, as it reflects the growing recognition among gaming industry workers of the need for collective representation and improved working conditions. This move by the BGS Montreal developers aligns with the broader trend of increased unionization in the industry, which has seen the formation of several other unions in recent years.

The Broader Context: Layoffs and Consolidation in the Gaming Industry

The unionization announcement by the BGS Montreal developers comes at a time when the gaming industry has been facing significant challenges, including mass layoffs and consolidation. In 2023 and 2024, the industry has seen over 6,000 jobs impacted, with the most high-profile example being Microsoft's decision to shut down three Bethesda Softworks studios, including Arkane Austin (Redfall, Prey) and Tango Gameworks (Hi-Fi Rush, The Evil Within).These industry-wide challenges have further underscored the importance of workers' collective bargaining rights and the need for unions to advocate for better working conditions and job security. The formation of the BGS Montreal union is a testament to the growing recognition among gaming industry employees that they must take proactive steps to protect their interests and ensure a more equitable and sustainable future for the industry.As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the unionization of the BGS Montreal studio serves as a significant milestone, setting a precedent for other developers to follow suit and collectively advocate for their rights. This move by the BGS Montreal team is a testament to the power of collective action and the industry's ongoing transformation towards a more worker-centric model.