In a significant move within the gaming industry, employees at id Software, the developer behind the iconic Doom series, have unionized in response to recent mass layoffs at Xbox. This development marks another Microsoft-owned studio joining the unionization wave, as workers seek to address labor exploitation and wealth inequity.
Members of Local 6215 of the Communication Workers of America (CWA) announced that 165 out of 185 employees at the studio have signed union cards or affirmed their desire for a union through an online portal. Microsoft has recognized the union under a neutrality agreement previously established by the CWA with Zenimax, id Software’s parent company.
Unionization Efforts and Goals
Andrew Willis, a member of the CWA Local 6215 organizing committee and an id Software Producer, emphasized the importance of the unionization effort. “The wall-to-wall organizing effort at id Software was much needed; it’s incredibly important that developers across the industry unite to push back on all the unilateral workplace changes that are being handed down from industry executives,” he stated.
Lead services programmer Chris Hays highlighted a crucial goal for the union: securing a fair remote work policy. “Remote work isn’t a perk,” he said. “It’s a necessity for our health, our families, and our access needs. RTO policies should not be handed down from executives with no consideration for accessibility or our well-being.”
Driving Factors Behind the Unionization
The unionization at id Software is driven by fears of studio closures, mass layoffs, and the oppressive implementation of generative AI. These concerns were amplified after Bethesda, another Zenimax subsidiary, shut down several studios, including Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks, the latter of which was later revived by Krafton in January 2025. Hays described this as “a wakeup call for a lot of people,” noting that the industry’s fate is increasingly in the hands of “Ivy League MBAs” with little experience in game development.
“People decided that it was time that we took our future into our own hands,” Hays added.
Negotiation Targets and AI Concerns
The union has set three primary targets for contract negotiations with Microsoft: establishing a fair remote work policy, securing benefits such as childcare, and implementing guardrails for AI technology use. While Hays acknowledged some positive applications of AI, he criticized Microsoft’s current mandates for not being implemented carefully enough to be beneficial.
The protections for AI use that were secured by unionizing Zenimax workers in 2024 have significantly influenced the policies that id Software employees are pursuing.
Industry Reactions and Future Implications
Industry professionals are closely watching whether id Software workers will align with their peers at Arkane, who previously condemned Microsoft’s technical support for Israeli intelligence operations in Gaza. Hays mentioned that the union would decide on this issue after members complete a bargaining survey. However, he personally expressed opposition to the use of Microsoft tools in these operations.
“I can say for myself personally that I want no part in [Israel’s] usage of Microsoft tools and the deals between Israel and Microsoft,” Hays told Aftermath.
The unionization at id Software reflects a broader trend within the gaming industry, where workers are increasingly advocating for their rights and seeking greater control over their work environment. As negotiations with Microsoft proceed, the outcomes could set precedents for other studios and influence labor practices across the industry.
Looking ahead, the success of id Software’s unionization efforts could inspire further organizing within the gaming sector, potentially leading to significant changes in how game studios operate and interact with their employees.
