Microsoft, the Xbox-maker, has acquired the Maryland-based ZeniMax for $7.5 billion in 2021. The acquisition gives Microsoft control of ZeniMax’s well-known game publishing division, Bethesda Softworks, and popular game franchises such as The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and Doom.
In addition to the acquisition, Microsoft has also accepted the formation of the first labor union in the U.S. for its video game subsidiary. The union, which is being formed by a group of video game testers, will be the largest in the video game industry. This move comes after Microsoft made a promise to try to build public support for its $68.7 billion acquisition of another big game company, Activision Blizzard.
The union will be a part of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), a union that represents workers in telecommunications, media, airlines, and other industries. The union will be responsible for negotiating wages, benefits, and working conditions for video game testers.
Microsoft’s acquisition of ZeniMax and acceptance of the union formation is a major step forward for the video game industry. It will give Microsoft control of some of the most popular game franchises and provide better working conditions for video game testers.
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