SAG-AFTRA, video game companies resuming negotiations as actors’ strike continues

As a seasoned movie buff with a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling across all mediums, I eagerly follow the latest developments in the world of video games. Having witnessed the evolution of cinema and its transition into digital realms, I can’t help but admire the convergence of these two worlds – film and gaming.

For the first time since video game actors initiated a strike in July, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and leading video game companies are resuming negotiations at the bargaining table.

On Tuesday, representatives from the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the gaming industry collectively announced a planned resumption of negotiations, which is scheduled for October 23rd.

In the negotiation space, you’ll find representatives from companies such as Activision Productions Inc., Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Llama Productions LLC, Take 2 Productions Inc. and WB Games Inc. will be present.

As a passionate moviegoer with an interest in the world of video games, I’ve been following the ongoing labor dispute closely. For nearly two months now, approximately 2,600 talented artists – those responsible for voice-overs and motion capture in the gaming industry – have been on strike due to a breakdown in contract negotiations regarding protections for artificial intelligence.

The performers aim to secure an agreement ensuring that game creators provide notification, disclose the intended use of their work, and acquire their approval prior to using artificial intelligence to mimic their voices or appearances.

It was not decided that all games would face a walkout, but SAG-AFTRA broadened the scope of the work stoppage a month ago to encompass “League of Legends.” The union removed the game from the exemption list during the strike as a means of penalizing audio company Formosa Interactive, who they claim violated the terms of the walkout.

In response to charges of unfair labor practices filed by SAG-AFTRA, Formosa (known for its voice-over services in “League of Legends”) has refuted these accusations.

Over 80 game manufacturers have made separate agreements with SAG-AFTRA since the work halt started, consenting to abide by the union’s AI guidelines in order to receive forgiveness for their part in the strike.

Sarah Elmaleh, head of the video game negotiating committee at SAG-AFTRA, recently stated that the large number of companies agreeing to SAG-AFTRA contracts shows how fair and reasonable those protections are.

As a movie-loving critic, I found myself reflecting on an intriguing development that unfolded in the gaming world last year. Specifically, I’m referring to the expiration of a significant contract between the gaming unions and the companies that produce our favorite games. This happened back in November 2022.

2024-10-15 20:01

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SAG-AFTRA, video game companies resuming negotiations as actors’ strike continues

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