SAG-AFTRA Considers Second Strike Against Major Video Game Companies
The Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has announced its intention to seek authorization for a second strike against major video game companies. Talks regarding a new video game contract have hit an impasse, prompting the union to take action in pursuit of wage increases and protection against the encroachment of artificial intelligence.
SAG-AFTRA, which has already been engaged in a strike against major television and film companies since July 13, has declared a stalemate in negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, with no immediate resumption of talks in sight.
Under the Creative Commons License, image courtesy of Phil Roeder.
The union holds a separate contract with prominent video game makers, including industry giants like Activision and Electronic Arts. Initially set to expire on November 7, the contract was extended by a year to facilitate further discussions. Negotiations are scheduled to resume on September 26.
Key demands put forth by SAG-AFTRA include an 11% retroactive rate increase for video game performers, along with subsequent 4% annual increases, mirroring their requests from the film and television studios. Additionally, the union is advocating for safeguards against the impact of artificial intelligence on voice and performance capture artists within the video game sector.
SAG-AFTRA’s president, Fran Drescher, criticized video game companies for their “greed and disrespect” and highlighted the threat posed by AI to the livelihoods of artists. She stated, “Once again artificial intelligence is putting our members in jeopardy of reducing their opportunity to work, and once again, SAG-AFTRA is standing up to tyranny on behalf of its members.”
Under the Creative Commons License, image courtesy of Gage Skidmore.
In response, spokesperson Audrey Cooling, representing the video game companies involved in negotiations, expressed optimism about reaching a fair agreement. She emphasized that both sides aim for a contract that acknowledges the significant contributions of SAG-AFTRA-represented performers in delivering entertainment to global audiences.
SAG-AFTRA had previously gone on strike against video game companies in October 2016, which endured for 11 months. This time, in addition to wage increases and AI provisions, the union is pushing for rest periods, safety protections, the presence of on-set medics akin to TV and film, and a ban on stunts during self-taped auditions.
The strike authorization vote is scheduled between September 5 and September 25. Should the vote succeed, SAG-AFTRA will have the potential to initiate job actions if negotiations falter after the resumption of talks on September 26.
Under the Creative Commons License, image courtesy of Phil Roeder.
The issues raised against video game companies parallel those of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike against film and TV companies, which has persisted for over 50 days, causing significant disruptions to productions worldwide.
This move follows a recent strike by screenwriters in May, who protested against pay, working conditions, and the industry’s utilization of AI. SAG-AFTRA, representing 160,000 individuals in the entertainment industry, is committed to ensuring the welfare and rights of its members, even as it confronts challenges posed by evolving technologies and industry practices.
What are your thoughts on the use of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry, and do you believe it poses a genuine threat to performers’ job opportunities?
WHAT IS SAG-AFTRA?
SAG-AFTRA, or the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, is a labor union representing actors, performers, and media professionals in the entertainment industry in the United States.
