Video game performers are going on strike

After over a year and a half of negotiations, SAG-AFTRA has officially called a strike on video game work. Going into effect on July 26 at 12:01 a.m., SAG-AFTRA members will be striking against companies like Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, and more.

The main “sticking point,” as the Guild notes in its statement, are A.I. protections. Negotiations for a new contract with a bargaining group that includes the aforementioned publishers, as well as other major ones like Take-Two, Insomniac, and WB Games, have had A.I. as a focal point. Video game voice actors and motion capture actors are seeking protections against the creeping influence of A.I. in games. As SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher puts it:

“We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse A.I. to the detriment of our members. Enough is enough. When these companies get serious about offering an agreement our members can live — and work — with, we will be here, ready to negotiate.”

Fran Drescher, SAG-AFTRA President

These negotiations began in October 2022 and have been ongoing, with the Guild approving a strike authorization vote in September 2023 with a 98.32% yes vote. The Guild says that some agreements have been reached on other issues, but it does seem like A.I. is the main cause for concern.

It may be warranted, too, as a recent Wired report explored how publishers like Activision Blizzard are already reportedly incorporating generative A.I. into development.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the companies said in a statement (via Kotaku) that they are “disappointed” the union has walked away, and they remain “prepared” to resume negotiations.

“We have already found common ground on 24 out of 25 proposals, including historic wage increases and additional safety provisions,” said spokesperson Audrey Cooling. “Our offer is directly responsive to SAG-AFTRA’s concerns and extends meaningful AI protections that include requiring consent and fair compensation to all performers working under the IMA. These terms are among the strongest in the entertainment industry.”

Voice actors previously went on strike in 2016, over concerns about pay and royalties, among other issues. Where compensation was the concern then, it seems like the spread of tech that could have long-lasting implications on actors’ livelihoods is now front and center.

“Eighteen months of negotiations have shown us that our employers are not interested in fair, reasonable A.I. protections, but rather flagrant exploitation,” said Sarah Elmaleh, Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee Chair for the Guild. “We refuse this paradigm – we will not leave any of our members behind, nor will we wait for sufficient protection any longer. We look forward to collaborating with teams on our Interim and Independent contracts, which provide A.I. transparency, consent and compensation to all performers, and to continuing to negotiate in good faith with this bargaining group when they are ready to join us in the world we all deserve.”

As for the effect this will have on development, that will likely be seen in the coming years rather than the here-and-now. The strike is likely to affect in-development games the most, though even games coming out soon may lose out on the chance for recording anything like re-writes.

Meanwhile, a panel is planned for San Diego Comic-Con this weekend, featuring several SAG-AFTRA game actors discussing their craft. It’s certainly going to be an even-higher interest panel now.