Game Over for Video Game Companies? SAG-AFTRA Strike Looms Large

Highlights

SAG-AFTRA, the workers' union representing media professionals, may go on strike against major video game companies like Activision and Electronic Arts.

In 2016, the union went on strike due to contract negotiations for voice actors, enduring a strike that lasted almost a year. Presently, the union is requesting an 11% increase in rates that applies retroactively, safeguards against the substitution of human performers with AI, and safety measures for voice actors.

SAG-AFTRA, the leading union for media workers in the US, may soon go on strike again, but this time targeting major video game companies such as Activision and Electronic Arts. On July 13, both the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists voted to join the Writers Guild of America in a strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. This strike has caused the production of numerous films and movies to come to a standstill globally. Despite ongoing negotiations, there is no indication of a resolution to end the strike.

Although many actors in SAG-AFTRA also contribute their talents to video game voice work, the current strike only impacts their involvement in movies and TV shows, as the union has a separate contract with game publishers like Activision and EA. SAG-AFTRA had previously gone on strike against these companies and others in 2016 over contract negotiations for voice actors. The strike lasted almost a year before an agreement was reached. Now, it seems history may repeat itself as SAG-AFTRA protests against the broader entertainment industry.

On Friday, SAG-AFTRA declared that it will be pursuing authorization for a second strike against major video game companies, citing a "stalemate" in contract negotiations. The union's concerns and demands closely resemble those driving their ongoing strike against AMPTP. SAG-AFTRA is requesting an 11% retrospective increase in rates for video game performers, followed by 4% increases in subsequent years. Additionally, they are seeking safeguards against the replacement of human performers with AI, an issue that has garnered significant attention from prominent voice actors in recent months.

SAG-AFTRA is currently requesting improved conditions for voice actors, such as adequate rest breaks and safety measures like having medics present on set, similar to those found in TV and film productions. They are also pushing for a ban on stunts during self-taped auditions. In a recent statement, SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher criticized major video game companies like Activision for being driven by "greed and disrespect" during ongoing negotiations. However, Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for these companies, insists that they are negotiating in good faith and are hopeful for a mutually beneficial agreement.

At 5 P.M. Pacific Time on September 25, SAG-AFTRA will vote on whether to initiate a strike. Informational meetings will be held for affected members during this voting period. The potential impact of a voice actor strike on forthcoming gaming projects remains uncertain. Nonetheless, the contributions of performers like Christopher Judge in games like God of War are vital to video game storytelling, and they deserve fair compensation and treatment for their work. It is hoped that both parties can come to a fair agreement that ensures actors receive fair pay and improved safety measures during voice work and motion capture for games.

Source: Variety