Overview

• On July 2, Microsoft’s gaming division cut over 9,000 roles and shelved multiple projects, including the seven-year Blackbird MMO
• The 222 developers assigned to Blackbird remain employed with full pay and benefits while their union negotiates next steps
• ZeniMax Online Studios United-CWA, formed in December, is bargaining for clear redeployment paths, severance packages or reassignment options
• Union representatives say members were blindsided by the project cancellation and demand prompt communication on job security
• Building on a sibling QA union’s tentative May deal, ZOSU-CWA aims to secure dignified exit provisions if layoffs ultimately occur