In a statement, the ZeniMax Online Studios union confirmed that they have not been affected by Microsoft’s cuts.
The ZeniMax Online Studios-Communication Workers of America (ZOSU-CWA) union announced on Bluesky that their promising MMO shooter, Project Blackbird, has been canceled. However, the developers working on it have not been laid off. (Note that they have not yet been laid off, as we don’t know when the axe will fall.) Let’s take a look at the ZOSU-CWA statement:
“Earlier this month, Microsoft indefinitely shelved an unannounced MMORPG at ZeniMax Online Studios, which came as a shock to the 222 ZOSU-CWA developers working on the project. It has been heartening and validating to see our game mentioned in the press and by players who would have loved to see the results of our work. Undoubtedly, a future has been stolen from many of us, and our community will never experience the amazing game we were creating. However, despite discussions regarding our employment status, the fact remains: we have not yet been laid off.
While we understand that a layoff is likely inevitable for most of us, last December, the teams behind The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) and the unannounced project voted overwhelmingly to form a union and establish ZeniMax Online Studios United-CWA (ZOSU-CWA). Worker volunteers elected to represent our union are currently bargaining with Microsoft for the benefit of our impacted teammates. While Microsoft and ZOSU-CWA are bargaining over how to move forward following the project closure, the developers behind the unannounced project remain ZeniMax Online Studios employees with full pay and benefits.
On July 2, our lives were upended without prior notice or communication from Microsoft leadership, leaving us with little clarity about our employment status. In light of this, our union acted with urgency, gathering and distributing information and resources to our affected members. While Microsoft failed to support the talented individuals who generated billions in revenue, our union stepped up to provide clarity and support. It is true that some of our members may face layoffs in the future. However, thanks to our organizing efforts, we can ensure that those affected will be able to leave with dignity.
Furthermore, the work of ZOSU-CWA will continue so that our remaining teammates — the dedicated developers of ESO — can follow in the footsteps of our colleagues in other Microsoft departments and studios, including our union siblings at ZeniMax Workers United (ZWUCWA). We look forward to other units ratifying fair contracts that guarantee the rights we all deserve,” the statement read.
They are not confident that this situation will continue much longer.
Leave a Reply