Bethesda Game Studios Montreal's recent unionization bid highlights the ongoing instability within the video game industry. The past year and a half has seen significant upheaval, marked by widespread layoffs and studio closures, even impacting seemingly successful studios under the Bethesda umbrella. This unpredictability has eroded developer and fan confidence in the industry's job security.

Beyond layoffs, the industry grapples with issues like crunch time, discrimination, and inadequate compensation. Unionization is increasingly seen as a potential solution. Following Vodeo Games' pioneering unionization in North America in 2021, more developers are seeking collective bargaining to address these persistent problems.

Bethesda Game Studios Montreal's announcement of its unionization application to the Quebec Labour Board, aiming to affiliate with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Canada, reflects this trend. This move comes amidst recent controversy surrounding Xbox's closure of four other Bethesda studios, leaving many questioning the company's strategy.

The closures, including that of Tango Gameworks (developers of Hi-Fi Rush), have prompted gamer inquiries, met with limited transparency from Xbox executives. While explanations remain scarce, hints from Xbox executive Matt Booty suggest a connection to the departure of Shinji Mikami.

Bethesda Game Studios Montreal's unionization effort signals a proactive attempt to secure better working conditions and reduce the risk of similar abrupt closures. CWA Canada has publicly welcomed the studio's initiative, expressing eagerness to collaborate. Bethesda Game Studios Montreal hopes its action will inspire broader efforts to improve worker rights within the video game industry.