Microsoft and ZeniMax have executed layoffs impacting over 440 positions across Bethesda Game Studios, ZeniMax Online Studios, id Software, and related corporate functions, with specific figures including 136 at id Software in Rockville and 379 at ZeniMax operations in Maryland. The OneBGS union, representing workers at these studios, has responded by scheduling coordinated marches for July 15 at locations in Rockville, Austin, Dallas, and Montreal, framing the action as protected concerted activity to demand effects bargaining on transfers, severance, and recall rights. Microsoft has described the reductions as an entrepreneurial shift toward a franchise-based model, a characterization the union rejects as insufficient to bypass bargaining obligations. Xbox leadership previously announced plans for 3,200 total roles to be cut by the end of the fiscal year in June 2027, citing a need to reset after underperformance on initiatives like Game Pass and multiplatform strategies. Union communications emphasize visibility and unity to ensure management considers the consequences of further actions.
Microsoft and ZeniMax leadership have made the devastating decision to slash over 440 positions.
- article Game Developer - Xbox union fighting back with 'Save Our Devs' rally on July 15
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-we-mean-business-xbox-union-workers-fighting-back-with-save-our-devs-rally-on-july-15 - article GamesIndustry.biz - Xbox layoffs: Jobs lost at Obsidian, Bethesda, Id and Zenimax Online Studios
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-layoffs-july-2026 - article Windows Central - Bethesda union members are protesting Xbox's layoffs with a 'Save Our Devs' march next week
https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/zenimax-bethesda/bethesda-union-members-are-protesting-xboxs-layoffs-with-a-save-our-devs-march-next-week-after-440-zenimax-cuts - X Post @gamedevdotcom X post linking to the article
https://x.com/gamedevdotcom/status/2075510404101664778
COMMENTS
440 people just got canned and they want us to rally on a weekday, my shift starts at 6am.
the devs didn't deserve this at all, they've been working so hard on starfield stuff too.