SAG-AFTRA Members Are Going on a Video Game Industry Strike

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As a long-time fan of video games and someone who appreciates the hard work and creativity that goes into bringing these digital worlds to life, I’m deeply concerned about the ongoing SAG-AFTRA video game strike. For nearly two years, SAG-AFTRA members have been negotiating for fair compensation, basic safety precautions, and protections against exploitative uses of artificial intelligence. Yet, despite the union’s efforts, the major video game companies have refused to offer acceptable terms.

The Writers Guild of America’s long-awaited progress in securing a fair deal with the AMPTP was welcomed. However, the studios’ unwillingness to grant writers their due protections and compensation prolonged the strike. Subsequently, SAG-AFTRA faced a similar predicament and reached a tentative agreement. Both strikes leave much to be resolved, but now, SAG-AFTRA members have approved a video game strike. In an impressive show of support, 98.32% of those who voted, totaling over 34,000 individuals, authorized the strike. As reported by Deadline, the video game strike is underway and set to commence on July 26, 2023, at 12:01 AM.

Why Is the SAG-AFTRA Video Game Strike Happening?

The labor union, SAG-AFTRA, has announced plans for a strike against leading video game companies following almost two years of failed negotiations to revise their Interactive Media Agreement. For additional information on this dispute involving SAG-AFTRA actors and the video game sector, please refer to our previous press statement.

SAG-AFTRA’s authorization to call a strike doesn’t automatically mean they will be striking. The union has been in talks with video game companies over the Interactive Media Agreement since last year. However, these companies have not provided satisfactory solutions on key concerns for our members, such as wage adjustments to match inflation, safeguards against unfair use of AI, and fundamental safety measures.

The SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, made this statement as well:

“The video game industry earns billions of dollars every year. The primary reason for its immense success is the innovative individuals who conceptualize and produce these games. This group encompasses SAG-AFTRA members, whose contributions include giving voice and personality to iconic gaming characters. These performers merit and request the same essential protections as actors in cinema, TV, streaming platforms, and music: reasonable compensation and consent for artificial intelligence’s usage of their likenesses. It’s surprising that video game companies haven’t grasped this lesson yet – that our SAG-AFTRA members have the power to demand fairness and equality regarding AI use and public opinion is on their side.”

What’s Next for This Video Game Industry Strike?

As someone who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade, I can’t help but feel frustrated and disheartened by the ongoing strike between video game producers and SAG-AFTRA. The uncertainty surrounding the negotiations and the potential outcomes is disconcerting, especially given the significant progress that had been made prior to this impasse.

Similar to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA protests against the AMPTP, this work stoppage arises from the essential need of dedicated individuals to make ends meet and lead fulfilling lives. I fervently hope that video game companies will acknowledge the demands of those who contribute significantly to their success. For ways to support strikers, please refer to this link. Further details regarding the video game strike can be found here.

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2024-07-25 23:32