SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors Strike: As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to make waves across several industries, the gaming industry is involved in a major labour issue. Video game actors, represented by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), have declared a strike against major gaming firms like Activision, EA and more. This strike, the first of its kind since 2017, highlights rising concerns about AI’s influence on job security and fair compensation in the gaming industry.
The Strike’s Background
In the fall of 2023, SAG-AFTRA members voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, citing major gaming companies’ refusal to safeguard performers’ rights concerning AI use. The main concern is that AI can replicate actors’ voices and likenesses without proper consent or compensation. Since November 2022, around 2,600 voice actors and motion capture artists, including well-known individuals such as Troy Baker (The Last of Us), Jennifer Hale (Mass Effect), and Matt Mercer (The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom), have been working without an Interactive Media Agreement.
“The video game industry generates billions of dollars in profit annually,” stated SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. “The driving force behind that success is the creative people who design and create those games. That includes the SAG-AFTRA members who bring memorable and beloved game characters to life, and they deserve and demand the same fundamental protections as performers in film, television, streaming, and music: fair compensation and the right of informed consent for the A.I. use of their faces, voices, and bodies.”
Companies Impacted
The strike affects major players in Hollywood and beyond. Companies like Disney Character Voices Inc. (owned by Walt Disney), Insomniac Games Inc. (owned by Sony), and WB Games Inc. (part of Warner Bros. Discovery) are feeling the impact. Publishing giants such as Activision Productions (owned by Microsoft), Take-Two Interactive (Take 2 Productions Inc.), and Electronic Arts Productions Inc. (EA) are also part of the strike. The list extends to Blindlight LLC, Formosa Interactive LLC, Llama Productions LLC, and VoiceWorks Productions Inc.
Game studios have responded that they have made considerable sacrifices, including substantial wage increases and safety improvements. They also claim to have included strong AI safeguards, such as requiring consent and fair compensation for actors.
While the strike aims to address industry concerns, it will almost certainly have an impact on players. Some highly anticipated games may have delays or changes, causing the whole development process to be disturbed. However, it’s worth noting that not all games are affected. Some productions have secured interim agreements or existing contracts that meet SAG-AFTRA’s requirements.
Additionally, games that were in development before September 2023 are also not officially struck, although they might still experience indirect effects. Kotaku has reported this issue concerning GTA 6, and more details are available on the SAG-AFTRA strike website.
How to Support
SAG-AFTRA is encouraging creators and streamers to invite video game performers onto their platforms to discuss the strike. The union also asks supporters to amplify their messages using the hashtags #LevelUpTheContract, #VideoGameStrike, and #SagAftraStrong on social media. For those interested in showing support, SAG-AFTRA has provided shareable graphics and additional information on how to get involved.
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