SAG-AFTRA, the prominent actors’ guild, is gearing up for a potential strike in the video game industry, following similar actions taken by writers and film workers in Hollywood. Earlier this year, the Writers Guild of America went on strike, seeking better pay and working conditions, and that strike has continued since May. In July, SAG-AFTRA authorized a strike against major Hollywood studios, which temporarily halted significant film and TV productions, including “Deadpool 3.”
(Credit: SAG AFTRA)
Now, the video game industry is facing a potential strike as SAG-AFTRA’s board has unanimously voted to send strike authorizations to its members for the gaming sector. This means that members will vote on whether to strike if negotiations with the video game industry fail to reach a favorable resolution. Key companies that could be affected by the strike include Insomniac Games, Warner Bros., Disney, Activision, EA, Epic Games, and Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games.
(Credit: SAG AFTRA)
SAG-AFTRA is advocating for improved wages, protection against artificial intelligence (AI), and better working conditions, including safeguards against vocal stress for professionals in the gaming industry. Negotiations with these major gaming companies are set to commence on September 26th, increasing the possibility of a strike later this month.
(Credit: SAG AFTRA)
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher expressed the union’s determination to confront employer “greed and disrespect” and voiced concerns about AI’s impact on job opportunities. The union believes that contractual protections are essential, particularly in an industry where AI is advancing rapidly.
(Credit: SAG AFTRA)
Several high-profile games, such as “Grand Theft Auto VI” (Take-Two), “Iron Man” by Motive (EA), “Call of Duty” (Activision), “Wonder Woman” (Warner Bros.), “Marvel’s Wolverine” (Insomniac Games), and others, could be affected by a potential strike. It’s worth noting that “Marvel’s Spider-Man 2” may not be impacted, as it is scheduled for release shortly before a strike could potentially occur.
(Credit: SAG AFTRA)
In 2016, SAG-AFTRA initiated a strike against 11 video game publishers and developers, which lasted 340 days and became the longest strike in the union’s history. While they did not secure residuals, they did achieve changes to pay scales and other alterations in how projects are disclosed to actors during auditions.
