Hundreds of union workers rally across North America to protest Xbox layoffs

Hundreds of unionized video game workers and their supporters amassed outside Xbox studios across the United States and Canada this week to protest the latest round of mass layoffs within Microsoft's video game division. Members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and local labor allies staged 'Save Our Devs' rallies on August 19, 2026, across cities including Austin, Dallas, Seattle, Rockville, Hunt Valley, Montreal, and Minneapolis. These demonstrations follow an initial wave of rallies held in July.

The protests stem from plans announced by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma indicating that the division must "reset" and eliminate 3,200 jobs over the current fiscal year. The cuts began with 1,600 immediate layoffs impacting subsidiaries such as Obsidian, id Software, and ZeniMax Online Studios, which affected hundreds of union workers. Additional studios including Double Fine, Undead Labs, Ninja Theory, and Compulsion Games have also faced divestment and subsequent reductions. The CWA and CWA Canada are currently taking legal action against Microsoft over allegations of mishandling the cuts, while Microsoft stated that it reached out to the union to begin effects bargaining.

Union members speaking out at the demonstrations criticized corporate practices and voiced concerns over the loss of experienced developers. John Roberts, an id Software Principal Engine Programmer and CWA Local 6215 member who was laid off in July, emphasized the anxiety felt by remaining staff. Similarly, Stephanie Zachariadis, a Bethesda Game Studios quest designer and CWA Local 2108 member who was also impacted by the July cuts, noted the departure of veteran talent from the studio.