SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) has taken a significant step by sending a strike authorization vote to its members in the video game industry. The union’s National Board voted unanimously to proceed with the vote, as negotiations with signatory video game companies reached a stalemate.
The Interactive Media Agreement between SAG-AFTRA and video game companies was extended beyond its original expiration date, but the union claims that key issues such as wage increases, rest periods, and artificial intelligence (AI) protections have not been adequately addressed. As a result, SAG-AFTRA has decided to stand up for its members and demand fair treatment.
Fran Drescher, the president of SAG-AFTRA, expressed her concerns over employer greed and the impact of AI on job opportunities. She emphasized the union’s determination to fight against these challenges, stating, The disease of greed is spreading like wildfire ready to burn workers out of their livelihoods and humans out of their usefulness. We at SAG-AFTRA say NO! Not on our watch!
The union is specifically seeking protective language in the contract that ensures informed consent and appropriate payment for the creation and use of digital replicas, as well as training AI systems using members’ performances. SAG-AFTRA is also demanding wage increases for video game performers that align with those offered to film and television actors: 11 percent retroactive to expiration and 4 percent increases in the second and third years of the agreement.
Moreover, the union is calling for a rest period of five minutes per hour for on-camera performers, the presence of a set medic during stunts or hazardous work, prohibitions against stunts in self-taped auditions, and vocal stress protections.
To gather support for the strike authorization vote, SAG-AFTRA will be mailing information postcards to voters on September 5. The voting process will conclude on September 25. Additionally, informational meetings for union members will be held on September 7 and September 12.
The video game companies affected by this potential strike include Activision Productions, Blindlight, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts Productions, Epic Games, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Games, Take 2 Productions, VoiceWorks Productions, and WB Games.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the national executive director and chief negotiator for SAG-AFTRA, stressed the importance of recognizing the value that voice and performance capture artists bring to the multibillion-dollar gaming industry. He highlighted the threat posed by AI technology and the need for contractual protections, stating, Without contractual protections, the employers are asking performers to unknowingly participate in the extinction of their artistry and livelihoods.
As the strike authorization vote commences, both SAG-AFTRA and the video game companies will be closely watching the outcome. The industry awaits a resolution that acknowledges the contributions and concerns of the performers while ensuring the continued growth and success of the gaming sector.
