The SAG-AFTRA actors’ union has announced a strike against video game companies after extended negotiations over a year and a half.
The walkout start at 12.01am Pacific Time today (Friday, July 26).
This action mirrors the broader strike against television and movie studios last year.
The strike affects members of the 160,000-person union.
They will no longer provide their voices or likenesses for games produced by Activision Blizzard, WB Games, Electronic Arts, and seven other companies under the interactive-media agreement.
The agreement with these companies expired in November 2022, and the union ended an extension last summer.
However, games already in production as of September 2023, including live service games like Fortnite, are exempt from this strike.
SAG-AFTRA’s demands for video game companies are similar to those previously sought from TV and film studios: increased wages and protections against the misuse of artificial intelligence.
Fran Drescher, SAG-AFTRA’s president, said: “We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse A.I. to the detriment of our members.
“Enough is enough.”
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the union’s executive director, said: “Frankly, it’s stunning that these video game studios haven’t learned anything from the lessons of the last year — that our members can and will stand up and demand fair and equitable treatment with respect to A.I.”
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The union is pushing for improved safety measures on set, such as having a medic available.
“Frankly, it’s stunning that these video game studios haven’t learned anything from the lessons of the last year — that our members can and will stand up and demand fair and equitable treatment with respect to A.I”
The consortium of companies said: “We are disappointed the union has chosen to walk away when we are so close to a deal, and we remain prepared to resume negotiations.
“Our offer is directly responsive to SAG-AFTRA’s concerns and extends meaningful A.I. protections.”
They claimed their offer includes significant AI protections and wage increases, and they have agreed on 24 out of 25 proposals.
The union last went on strike against video game companies in 2016, which lasted nearly a year but had minimal long-term impact on established franchises.
Popular games often feature high-profile actors, such as Keanu Reeves in “Cyberpunk 2077” and Samuel L. Jackson in *Grand Theft Auto*, though many games also employ lesser-known actors.
