Insider Exclusive: Hollywood's Video Game Voice Actors on Verge of Historic Strike
Voice actors in the video game industry contemplate striking as they raise concerns about AI integration and working conditions, prompting major publishers to face potential disruption
Highlights
Video game voice actors have voted to potentially go on strike if negotiations with major publishers fail, mirroring ongoing strikes in the film and television industry.
Concerns revolve around the apprehension of AI-generated content displacing human voice work and the imperative to ensure just compensation and safety measures.
Although the strike authorization does not ensure an actual walkout, it signifies the readiness of video game voice actors to proactively defend their rights and interests.
Video game voice actors are prepared to go on strike if negotiations fail. The Writers Guild of America previously went on strike over concerns regarding AI in streaming content, and the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists joined in a dual walkout. While the WGA reached a tentative agreement, the SAG-AFTRA strike continues. There is discussion about whether video game voice actors should join the strike. SAG-AFTRA has announced its intention to seek authorization for another strike after negotiations broke down. Concerns regarding AI-generated content replacing human work are at the forefront of these disputes.
Earlier this week, SAG-AFTRA authorized a strike if the Interactive Media Agreement is not resolved. According to SAG-AFTRA’s website, 34,687 members voted, with 98.32% in favor of a potential walkout. This vote follows stalled discussions between the union and major video game publishers, such as Activision Productions Inc, Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Epic Games, Take 2 Productions Inc., VoiceWorks Productions Inc., and WB Games Inc. These negotiations have been ongoing since last October, and another round of talks is scheduled for the coming week.
According to SAG-AFTRA, the publishers have rejected satisfactory terms regarding their concerns about AI replacing human voice work, wages keeping up with inflation, and basic safety precautions. SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland stated, "After five bargaining rounds, it is clear that the video game companies are unwilling to meaningfully address the critical issues..." He remains hopeful for an agreement that satisfies members' needs, but if these corporations continue to offer an unfair deal, the next course of action will be a strike.
The recent SAG-AFTRA strike authorization does not guarantee a walkout by video game voice actors, but it grants the option if major publishers persist in refusing to address their concerns. Time will tell if a strike becomes necessary, especially considering the conclusion of the WGA strike and the potential for a SAG-AFTRA walkout shortly afterward. It is hoped that the talented video game voice performers can secure a fair deal without resorting to another substantial strike.
Source: SAG-AFTRA
