In a bold move to protest the recent mass layoffs at Xbox, union members at Bethesda Game Studios are gearing up for a Save Our Devs March on July 15. The Bethesda union, known as OneBGS and affiliated with the CWA, has taken a firm stance against the job cuts that affected 440 union members across various ZeniMax studios.
The union's statement, shared via Kotaku, reflects a strong sentiment of unity and defiance against what they perceive as an attempt by Xbox management to sweep the layoffs under the rug. "The company wants us to accept this as a done deal and quietly disappear," the statement reads. "We won’t let that happen."
The layoffs, which impacted employees at ZeniMax Online Studios, ZeniMax Media, id Software, and Bethesda Game Studios, have sparked outrage and solidarity within the gaming community. The upcoming march aims to show Xbox management that the affected developers are not willing to be silenced or sidelined.
William D'Angelo, a prominent figure in the gaming community, highlighted the significance of this protest in a recent article on VGChartz. As a long-time gamer and industry analyst, D'Angelo emphasized the importance of standing up for fellow developers and sending a clear message to management.
On social media platforms like Mastodon, discussions around the Bethesda union's protest have been gaining traction, with users expressing support for the union members and condemning the layoffs. The gaming community's response to this event underscores the interconnectedness and solidarity that exists within the industry.
The Bethesda union's march carries broader implications for the gaming industry, shedding light on issues of job security, labor rights, and corporate responsibility. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the treatment of developers and employees within the industry remains a crucial point of discussion.
As we await the outcome of the Save Our Devs March on July 15, it is evident that the Bethesda union members are determined to make their voices heard and stand in solidarity with their fellow developers. This event serves as a reminder of the power of unity and collective action in shaping the future of the gaming industry.
#BethesdaUnion #XboxLayoffs #GamingSolidarity #NexSouk #AIForGood #EthicalAI
References:
- GamesIndustry.biz: "They want us to accept this as a done deal and quietly disappear" – Bethesda union members organise protest in response to Xbox layoffs
- Eurogamer: "We mean business" - Bethesda union members to march in protest of sweeping Xbox job cuts
- VGChartz: Bethesda Union to Hold a March on July 15 Following Xbox Layoffs
- Mastodon: Various social media excerpts discussing the Bethesda union protest.
Social Commentary influenced the creation of this article.