SAG-AFTRA, the union protecting (among others) actors working on video games, may be close to declaring a strike that could soon hit the gaming industry.
During a meeting on July 20, mentioned on the union’s website, the board gave National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland authority to declare a strike.
If enacted, the strike would call all SAG-AFTRA members If enacted, the strike would call all SAG-AFTRA members to stop rendering all services and performing all work covered by the Interactive Media Agreement.
The announcement mentions that the union is still negotiating with the relevant video game publishers, but they remain “far apart” on terms regarding “critical” AI protections for video game performers.
The use of AI in voice-overs, including video games, has been a controversial topic, as it risks taking work away from human actors. Companies that have been found to use AI voices have received significant flak as the technology evolved.
The announcement includes a statement from SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland himself, who warned publishers not to test the union’s resolve, also mentioning that 98% of members voted in favor of the possible strike.
He continued by warning that the time for the publishers to make a deal with the union is “running out.”
“Our resolve is unwavering and should not be tested. Our membership voted more than 98% yes to authorize a strike of this contract should the employers not come to the table with a deal that includes our critical provisions — especially in A.I.
We are steadfast in our commitment to our membership who work this contract and whose extraordinary performances are the heart and soul of the world’s most popular video games. Time is running out for the companies to make a deal.”
At the moment, we don’t know the effects such a strike would have on the gaming industry, but previous strikes have caused significant delays.
The strike was authorized by the members of the organization in September 2023. Since then negotiations have been ongoing, but it appears that the the possibility of drastic action is now closer than ever.
If you’re unfamiliar with SAG-AFTRA, it’s an union born from the marriage of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. It covers approximately “160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other media professionals.”
