Voice Actors Overwhelmingly Vote to Authorize Strikes in Video Game Industry
Voice actors in the video game industry, represented by the US-based media union SAG-AFTRA, have voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing strike action. According to a news post by SAG-AFTRA, 98% of the eligible members voted to approve a potential strike.
However, it is important to note that this vote does not guarantee that a strike will occur. The authorization simply means that SAG-AFTRA now has the power to call for a strike as negotiations with various video game companies continue.
Some of the biggest names in the industry, including Insomniac, Epic Games, Take Two, Activision, and EA, are involved in these negotiations. Key issues raised by voice actors revolve around protections from artificial intelligence (AI), inadequate pay that fails to match inflation rates, and other workplace safety measures. As negotiations have failed to address these concerns, strikes have become a tool to secure them for future contracts.
This potential strike, if it happens, would not be the first in the video game industry. In 2016, voice actors went on strike to demand residual payments for voice and motion-capture work, as well as breaks during demanding recording sessions. Although the strike ended after 340 days with a deal that did not include residuals, it did improve the financial situation for many actors through breaks and sliding scale bonuses. However, these gains have seemingly not provided sufficient protection against current economic challenges, exacerbated by the emergence of AI as a potential threat to the industry.
Notably, the previous voice actor strike in 2016 also had an authorization vote, which garnered roughly 96% approval. This time, with 98% of represented actors showing support, it underscores the seriousness of concerns regarding AI, pay, and workplace safety for modern-day voice actors. The previous strike had significant repercussions for various games, with titles like Life is Strange experiencing issues as a result.
The question now is whether a strike will proceed once negotiations resume this month. Having experienced a voice actor strike in the past, some speculate that companies may be compelled to swiftly secure a deal to avoid a prolonged and disruptive strike. The outcome remains uncertain, and it will ultimately depend on how the negotiations unfold between SAG-AFTRA and the video game companies involved.
In conclusion, voice actors in the video game industry have overwhelmingly authorized strike action, raising concerns about AI, pay, and workplace safety. The vote does not guarantee a strike, but it empowers SAG-AFTRA to call for one. This development reflects the seriousness of the issues at hand and highlights the growing importance of securing better conditions for voice actors in the industry. The ultimate outcome will depend on the negotiation process and whether a satisfactory agreement can be reached between the union and the video game companies.
