SAG-AFTRA has granted permission to call for an immediate strike against game studios and publishers over protections against AI-generated content.
In a post on the union’s official website on Saturday, the union’s Chief Negotiator and National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland now has the power to call for a strike at any point should studios not work with them on the aforementioned protections.
This news comes nearly a year after a strike was first authorized over these concerns.
“If called, the strike shall be over all covered services under the Interactive Media Agreement and all SAG-AFTRA members will cease rendering all services and performing all work covered by the IMA,” the union said.
They continued by saying that parties remain in negotiations. However, they are still “far apart” on conditions covering AI protections.
“Our resolve is unwavering and should not be tested,” Crabtree-Ireland said. “Our membership voted more than 98% yes to authorize a strike of this contract should the employers not come to the table with a deal that includes our critical provisions — especially in A.I.
“We are steadfast in our commitment to our membership who work this contract and whose extraordinary performances are the heart and soul of the world’s most popular video games. Time is running out for the companies to make a deal.”
As far as dealing with the rise of AI in video game creation, Crabtree-Ireland said that the union remains determined to work with “ethical AI companies”.
Do you think we’ll ultimately see a SAG-AFTRA strike against video game studios? For more Insider Gaming, read about the poor player response to the Concord open beta on Steam.
They should but the developers need to strike and unionize as well