The gaming industry is preparing for a possible shakeup as SAG-AFTRA has authorized a strike against leading video game companies. Dive into the details to understand the ongoing struggle for fair labor practices and the ethical application of artificial intelligence.

SAG-AFTRA Authorizes Strike Against Video Game Companies

SAG-AFTRA's Press Release

On July 20, the SAG-AFTRA National Board, representing voice actors and performance artists, convened via video conference and unanimously voted to empower the National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator to call a strike if deemed necessary. This action would affect all services covered under the Interactive Media Agreement (IMA), with all SAG-AFTRA members halting work on related projects. The primary focus is on securing essential AI protections for video game performers.

National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland underscored the union's firm position, stating, "Our resolve is unwavering and should not be tested. Our membership voted over 98% in favor of authorizing a strike under this contract if the employers fail to offer a deal that includes our critical provisions, particularly regarding AI. We are steadfastly committed to our members who work under this contract and whose remarkable performances drive the world's most beloved video games. Time is of the essence for the companies to reach a fair agreement."

The Issues at Stake and Impact on the Gaming Industry

The central issues driving the potential strike revolve around the unregulated use of AI in voice acting and performance capture. Currently, no regulations exist to shield voice and performance actors from AI replication. Many actors prefer compensation for their actual performances over having their likeness captured and used by AI. Even if they consent to such usage, they demand clear guidelines and proper compensation.

SAG-AFTRA members also seek wage increases to match inflation: "11% retroactive to expiration and 4% increases in the second and third years of the agreement," according to SAG-AFTRA. Furthermore, they are advocating for improved safety measures on set for on-camera and stunt performers, including mandatory five-minute rest periods each hour, the presence of medics during hazardous work, protections against vocal stress, and the elimination of any requirement for actors to perform stunts during self-taped auditions.

If the strike goes ahead, it could impact various stages of video game production, though the full extent of this impact is uncertain. Unlike TV and film production, which can see immediate effects from strikes, video game development often spans several years. A strike might slow down certain development phases, but it's unclear whether it would cause significant delays in game releases.

Companies Facing Negotiations and Their Stances

The potential strike targets 10 major companies, including:

⚫︎ Activision Productions Inc.
⚫︎ Blindlight LLC
⚫︎ Disney Character Voices Inc.
⚫︎ Electronic Arts Productions Inc.
⚫︎ Epic Games, Inc.
⚫︎ Formosa Interactive LLC
⚫︎ Insomniac Games Inc.
⚫︎ Take 2 Productions Inc.
⚫︎ VoiceWorks Productions Inc.
⚫︎ WB Games Inc.

Among these, Epic Games has openly supported SAG-AFTRA’s position. CEO Tim Sweeney tweeted, "Epic supports the Screen Actors Guild’s view that game companies shouldn’t receive generative AI voice training rights on dialog recording sessions." No other companies have issued public statements at this time.

History of the Negotiation

This conflict's roots extend back to September 2023, when SAG-AFTRA leadership sought member authorization for a strike before contract negotiations began. The vote received overwhelming support, with 98.32% in favor. Since then, negotiations have continued without a new agreement, despite the previous contract expiring in November 2022 and being extended.

The backdrop of this struggle includes a previous strike in 2016, when SAG-AFTRA members struck against 11 major studios over similar issues, including base pay, health and safety, and residual pay. That strike lasted 340 days and ended with a compromise, though many union members felt the agreement fell short.

In January 2024, SAG-AFTRA faced backlash over a deal with Replica Studios, a third-party AI voice provider. This agreement, which allowed SAG-AFTRA members to license their voices to AI, was viewed by many as a betrayal, intensifying internal tensions over AI's role in performance capture.

The authorization of a strike by SAG-AFTRA represents a critical juncture in the ongoing battle for fair labor practices within the gaming industry. As negotiations persist, the industry remains vigilant, recognizing that the outcome will significantly influence the future use of AI in performance capture and the treatment of video game performers. With AI development advancing rapidly, protecting individuals and ensuring AI enhances human creativity rather than replacing it is crucial. The stakes are high, and the potential impact of a strike highlights the urgent need for a resolution that addresses the union's and its members' vital concerns.