Bethesda union protests Xbox CEO's visit with red flags and inflatable rat over Microsoft layoffs

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma visited Bethesda Game Studios on 12 August 2026 for an Elder Scrolls 6 demo. Outside, OneBGS — the studio's CWA-affiliated union — and fellow members planted hundreds of red flags, one per Microsoft game worker laid off this year, and inflated 'Scabby,' a giant rat, outside the office. Union member Nathan Hahn said staff also placed posters and balloons inside after management restricted external-facing displays.