Game Developers Unionize Amidst Microsoft's Xbox Layoffs and AI Fears

Austin-based game developers are pushing for a union contract amidst Microsoft's Xbox layoffs. The layoffs, announced in July by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, affected over 1,600 employees and included the closure of four studios.

Anne Barrett, a game programmer at Bethesda Game Studios and member of CWA Local 6215, was among those laid off. She described the experience as 'really tough' and criticized the company's handling of the layoffs.

The union has been negotiating with Microsoft for over three years and is seeking better severance packages and protections against AI replacing human workers. The National Labor Relations Board has filed unfair labor practices against Microsoft, alleging 'bad faith bargaining' and 'coercive action.'