Story perspectives

WARN Notice Details 166 Layoffs at Bethesda Studio

8/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma visited Bethesda Game Studios in Rockville, Maryland to preview The Elder Scrolls VI.
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union displayed a giant rat called “Scabby” and about 800 red flags outside Bethesda, each flag marking a layoff since July 2025.
A WARN notice listed 166 developers let go from the Rockville studio.
CWA Canada president Carmel Smyth alleged Microsoft unlawfully fired workers without notice or union discussion.

History

Historical Context

Layoffs that started in 2022 and peaked in January 2024 eliminated about 45,000 jobs, prompting union drives. Microsoft agreed to a labor-neutrality deal with the CWA in June 2023, and Activision’s QA staff joined the CWA in March 2024. The CWA protest at Asha Sharma’s Bethesda preview mirrors this shift toward organization amid continued cuts.

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Story summary

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma visited Bethesda Game Studios in Rockville, Maryland to preview The Elder Scrolls VI.
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union displayed a giant rat called “Scabby” and about 800 red flags outside Bethesda, each flag marking a layoff since July 2025.
A WARN notice listed 166 developers let go from the Rockville studio.
CWA Canada president Carmel Smyth alleged Microsoft unlawfully fired workers without notice or union discussion.

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