Video game actors are on strike. Here’s what that means
As a dedicated fan and supporter of the arts, I deeply sympathize with the Video Game Performers who have bravely decided to go on strike. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has taken a stand for its members, fighting for fair compensation and respect in the rapidly evolving video game industry.
Video game performers are officially on strike.
I’m part of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists community, and this week, we announced a strike action. Around 2,600 of us are involved, working in voice-overs, motion capture, and other related fields within the gaming industry.
After failing to come to an accord regarding artificial intelligence usage during contract negotiations with leading video game companies such as Activision, Electronic Arts, Insomniac, and Blindlight, union representatives decided to take action.
“SAG-AFTRA’s president, Fran Drescher, declared on Thursday that the union will not agree to contracts giving companies free rein to misuse AI at the expense of our members. The time for action is now.”
Audrey Cooling, representing the video game industry, expressed her disappointment in the union’s decision to withdraw from negotiations at this late stage. However, she emphasized that her team remains ready to continue discussions.
How did we get here?
Since 2022, the union has been in talks with video game firms over new contracts. The old Interactive Media Agreement ended in November of that year.
Video game actors aim for a fresh contract that ensures they give approval and receive payment whenever producers utilize AI to mimic their voices or appearances in video games. They also request higher wages to match inflation rates, additional breaks, and on-site medical care for potentially risky roles.
In September 2023, tensions reached a boiling point as union members overwhelmingly approved a striking action by a 98% majority.
I was closely following the negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the companies back then. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, their chief negotiator and national executive director, expressed his disappointment that the companies weren’t open to substantive discussions on essential topics such as fair compensation, artificial intelligence integration, and safety matters.
The companies promised to engage in sincere negotiations to reach a deal acknowledging the significant roles played by game performers.
On July 20th, the union’s higher-ups gave Crabtree-Ireland permission to organize a strike due to an unresolved issue concerning artificial intelligence (AI).
How will this affect the video game companies?
Similar to the writers’ and actors’ strikes in Hollywood last year, which disrupted film and TV productions for major studios and streaming platforms, this current strike could cause significant delays in the creation of video games set to be released in 2025 or 2026.
Creativity, Competition, and the Global Business of Video Games.”
Companies should not overlook the significant holiday sales period, as November and December typically generate nearly half of the year’s total game sales. (Or, During the holidays in November and December, about half of all annual game sales occur.)
If you fail to complete and deliver your tasks before the deadline, you’ll miss out on a significant opportunity, which could negatively impact your finances, according to Van Dreunen.
Some games will not be affected by the strike. Based on the terms of the contract, those games that were already in development at the time the union gave notice of their intent to terminate are exempt from the strike order, as confirmed by a representative from SAG-AFTRA.
What’s next?
Starting from last Friday, SAG-AFTRA members who work in video games are prohibited from providing their services to ongoing projects that are on strike.
Some of the offerings could encompass acting, vocal and musical performances, dance moves, hazardous stunts, casting calls, video trials, preparation sessions, granting permission for voice or image utilization, and standing in during filming.
Performers whose work is currently being covered by a strike are not allowed to publicize cancelled projects through social media, interviews, events, awards shows, podcasts, or any other means. An exception to this rule is the ongoing San Diego Comic-Con, as it was announced close in time to the strike.
The union has indicated that it will also hold pickets as part of the walkout.
In due time, the union and the businesses will come to a preliminary deal, thereby bringing an end to the strike.
Approximately a year ago, from October 2016 to September 2017, the final performance sessions by video game actors lasted. At that time, artificial intelligence wasn’t a significant issue, and actors sought compensation akin to residuals in film and TV – based on video game sales.
As a devoted film enthusiast, I’d put it this way: According to Van Dreunen, businesses are expected to find resolutions for their contract disputes by September at the earliest. At the very latest, they’ll sort things out by year-end. Why? Because during their upcoming investors’ earnings reports, they’ll have to answer to the public about the progress of their deals.
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2024-07-27 15:55