SAG-AFTRA Strike Nears Three Months: Video Game Companies Return to Negotiations
SAG-AFTRA and the major video game companies are set to resume in-person negotiations on October 23, as the strike that began on July 26 nears its third month. The strike, which affects some of the largest names in the video game industry, was triggered after prolonged negotiations over the Interactive Media Agreement stalled, leaving both sides operating without a contract since November 2022. The union’s dispute with video game companies centers on the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry and how it impacts voice and performance-capture actors. The use of AI in gaming has been a key sticking point, with the actors’ union arguing that companies are attempting to exploit the technology in ways that harm the performers. “We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of our artists. Enough is enough” said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher.
The video game producers being struck include some of the biggest in the industry: Activision Productions, Blindlight, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts Productions, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Games, Llama Productions, Take 2 Productions, and WB Games.
Their Negotiations with SAG-AFTRA have been inconsistent, unlike the more concentrated talks between Hollywood unions and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Despite the prolonged nature of the talks, both sides have agreed on 24 out of 25 proposals, leaving the AI-related issues as the final hurdle.
As the strike has dragged on, the guild for on-screen professionals has continued its activism. The union announced its next picket line for October 16 at the WB Games offices in Burbank. Additionally, in late September, SAG escalated its actions by adding Riot Games’ massively popular title League of Legends to its list of blocked games. Riot had been exempt from the strike until then, but the union accused Formosa Interactive, which provides voiceover services for the game, of unfair labor practices.
When the strike was initiated in July, negotiations had been ongoing for more than 18 months, but without any significant breakthroughs. As the October 23 date for renewed talks approaches, both sides remain tight-lipped, with no further comment on the pending discussions. The dispute underscores the growing tension in the gaming industry as AI continues to evolve and influence how games are developed and played. For actors and performers, the use of artificial intelligence poses significant concerns about job security and creative control, especially in a rapidly changing landscape.
SAG-AFTRA’s strike has drawn attention not just for its duration but also for its focus on the implications of technology in entertainment. As both sides prepare to return to the negotiating table, all eyes are on whether they can find common ground or whether the protest will extend into the holiday season, potentially disrupting major game releases and development schedules.
Source: Deadline
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SAG-AFTRA and the major video game companies are set to resume in-person negotiations on October 23, as the strike that began on July 26 nears its third month. The strike, which affects some of the largest names in the video game industry, was triggered after prolonged negotiations over the Interactive Media Agreement stalled, leaving both sides operating without a contract since November 2022. The union’s dispute with video game companies centers on the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry and how it impacts voice and performance-capture actors. The use of AI in gaming has been a key sticking point, with the actors’ union arguing that companies are attempting to exploit the technology in ways that harm the performers. “We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of our artists. Enough is enough” said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher.
The video game producers being struck include some of the biggest in the industry: Activision Productions, Blindlight, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts Productions, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Games, Llama Productions, Take 2 Productions, and WB Games.
Their Negotiations with SAG-AFTRA have been inconsistent, unlike the more concentrated talks between Hollywood unions and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Despite the prolonged nature of the talks, both sides have agreed on 24 out of 25 proposals, leaving the AI-related issues as the final hurdle.
As the strike has dragged on, the guild for on-screen professionals has continued its activism. The union announced its next picket line for October 16 at the WB Games offices in Burbank. Additionally, in late September, SAG escalated its actions by adding Riot Games’ massively popular title League of Legends to its list of blocked games. Riot had been exempt from the strike until then, but the union accused Formosa Interactive, which provides voiceover services for the game, of unfair labor practices.
When the strike was initiated in July, negotiations had been ongoing for more than 18 months, but without any significant breakthroughs. As the October 23 date for renewed talks approaches, both sides remain tight-lipped, with no further comment on the pending discussions. The dispute underscores the growing tension in the gaming industry as AI continues to evolve and influence how games are developed and played. For actors and performers, the use of artificial intelligence poses significant concerns about job security and creative control, especially in a rapidly changing landscape.
SAG-AFTRA’s strike has drawn attention not just for its duration but also for its focus on the implications of technology in entertainment. As both sides prepare to return to the negotiating table, all eyes are on whether they can find common ground or whether the protest will extend into the holiday season, potentially disrupting major game releases and development schedules.
Source: Deadline
Share:
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