Bethesda Union Members Plan July 15 Protest Following Microsoft’s Xbox Layoffs
Bethesda union workers are planning the “Save Our Devs” march on July 15 after Microsoft’s Xbox layoffs affected hundreds of employees across Bethesda and ZeniMax studios. The protest is being organized by the OneBGS union, which represents Bethesda Game Studios workers and aims to challenge the impact of recent job cuts across Microsoft’s gaming division. The rally will take place outside ZeniMax offices in Rockville, Maryland, Austin, Texas, Dallas, Texas, and Montreal, Canada, as employees demand better protections and support for affected developers.
OneBGS Protest Targets Microsoft Layoff Decisions
The “Save Our Devs” march comes after a major Xbox restructuring that reportedly removed around 3,200 jobs across Microsoft’s gaming business. The layoffs affected several ZeniMax-owned teams, including Bethesda Game Studios, ZeniMax Online Studios, id Software, quality assurance departments, and corporate divisions. OneBGS stated that more than 440 positions were impacted across these groups, including around 35 employees at Bethesda Game Studios in the United States and at least 12 workers at the Montreal office.
The union says the cuts have created uncertainty among developers working on major franchises such as The Elder Scrolls, Fallout and Starfield. Reports suggest that ZeniMax Online Studios also lost a significant number of employees, while id Software experienced major workforce reductions. Developers have raised concerns about possible project delays, increased workloads, and the future support of existing games.
GTA Online Kortz Center Heist Release Date Expected Rewards and Full Payout Details ExplainedOneBGS says Microsoft should negotiate through “Effects Bargaining,” a process that allows unions to discuss the impact of layoffs on workers. The union is demanding better severance packages, extended healthcare support, opportunities to move affected employees into open positions across Xbox and Microsoft, and recall rights that would help former workers return if jobs become available again.
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Microsoft has described the layoffs as part of a business reset designed to adjust Xbox’s future strategy after major investments failed to deliver expected results. Xbox leadership has pointed to changes involving Game Pass growth, a wider multiplatform approach, and a shift from a studio-based business model toward a franchise-focused strategy.
Bethesda leadership reportedly told employees that the company would focus on its strongest franchises while aligning talent, technology, and resources across teams. But many developers say the layoffs could impact future projects, including development on The Elder Scrolls 6, support for Fallout 76, and the working conditions for remaining employees.
The OneBGS union, which formed in 2024 under the Communication Workers of America (CWA), says the protest is a way for workers to stand together and remind Microsoft that union members have legal protections. The union believes the company cannot simply finalize layoffs without discussing how employees are affected.
The “Save Our Devs” march will begin on Wednesday, July 15, at 12:30 PM EST across multiple Bethesda locations. While it remains uncertain whether the protest will change Microsoft’s restructuring plans, OneBGS hopes the demonstration will help affected developers receive stronger support and future opportunities within the gaming industry.
Sources
- Game Developer: OneBGS workers will hold a “Save Our Devs” march on July 15 against Xbox layoffs. Microsoft and ZeniMax reportedly cut 440+ jobs across Bethesda and other studios. The union is demanding better severance, transfers, and layoff negotiations.
- Windows Central: Xbox layoffs impacted Bethesda and ZeniMax teams, leading to the “Save Our Devs” march on July 15. Bethesda union workers are protesting job cuts affecting developers behind Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield. OneBGS is demanding better severance, transfers, healthcare support, and recall rights.
- GamesIndustry.biz: OneBGS “Save Our Devs” marches will take place July 15 at 12:30 PM EST across four locations. The union, formed in 2024 with CWA support, is seeking layoff impact negotiations. Id Software says it will continue developing games and technology despite cuts.
- TechPowerUp: Layoffs reportedly affected around 50% of id Software and 25% of Bethesda Game Studios employees. OneBGS says Microsoft must negotiate layoff impacts through “Effects Bargaining.” The union is demanding internal transfers, extended benefits, and recall rights for affected workers.
- Massively Overpowered: OneBGS Mobilizing Committee is leading the “Save Our Devs” march effort. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma joined a U.S. Federal Reserve task force on productivity and jobs. The task force will study technology impacts, including AI’s effect on jobs and the economy.
