Potential Actors Strike Will Not Impact Grand Theft Auto 6, Suggests Take-Two
Take-Two reassures fans that the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 remains unaffected by potential actors' strike, ensuring the game's complete protection regardless of ongoing discussions with video game studios
The threat of a strike by video game actors is looming as union members have voted with a 98.32% majority in favor of authorizing a strike in September. During Take-Two's latest earnings call, CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations, noting that the development of GTA 6 is fully protected in the event of a strike.
Currently, SAG-AFTRA is negotiating on behalf of actors involved in video games, which includes both voice actors and motion-capture actors. The negotiation process involves major video game companies such as Activision, Disney, EA, Insomniac Games, Epic Games, WB Games, and Rockstar's parent company Take-Two.
Zelnick was asked during Take-Two's latest earnings call about the potential impact of a strike by voice actors and motion capture artists on the production of the next Grand Theft Auto at Rockstar. Specifically, the question was whether Rockstar has employment contracts that would allow these actors to continue working during a strike. Zelnick responded by mentioning that negotiations are expected to resume the following week. He expressed optimism, stating that they highly value their talent and strive for excellent labor relations. Zelnick emphasized his track record of successfully resolving labor negotiations in various entertainment industries throughout his career and expressed confidence in reaching an agreement that benefits everyone.
Zelnick further mentioned, "If things do not go as planned, we have complete protection."
The ongoing negotiations for the Interactive Media Agreement address various matters, such as regulating AI utilization in the industry, enhancing standard wages, and implementing improved safety measures for video game actors.
Meanwhile, the SAG-AFTRA TV and film actor's strike appears to be nearing an end, after the union reached a tentative agreement with studios.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I'm relieved to hear that the potential actors' strike won't affect the development of Grand Theft Auto 6. I've been eagerly anticipating the release of this game for years, and I would be devastated if it was delayed or canceled due to a strike. I understand that the actors are fighting for better wages and working conditions, and I support their right to do so. However, I hope that the strike can be resolved quickly and peacefully so that the game can be released on time.
I'm also interested to see how the negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the video game studios play out. The use of AI in the industry is a growing concern, and I'm curious to see how the union will address this issue. I'm also hopeful that the negotiations will result in improved wages and working conditions for video game actors. These actors are essential to the creation of the games that we love, and they deserve to be compensated fairly for their work.
