UPDATE: In response to the move by SAG-AFTRA, Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the video game producers party to the Interactive Media Agreement gave Insider Gaming the following statement.
“We all want a fair contract that reflects the important contributions of SAG-AFTRA-represented performers in an industry that delivers world-class entertainment to billions of players around the world. We are negotiating in good faith and hope to reach a mutually beneficial deal as soon as possible.”
ORIGINAL: The entertainment industry could see another strike, and this time it could impact the video game industry, specifically video game voice actors.
SAG-AFTRA announced on its official website on Friday that it has “voted unanimously” to send a strike authorization vote to members. The authorization comes as the union is set to begin negotiations with a number of major companies including EA, Activision, Epic Games, Insomniac Games, WB Games, Take-Two, and more.
“It has been nearly a year since SAG-AFTRA’s video game contract, the Interactive Media Agreement, was extended beyond the original expiration date as we negotiated with the companies for critical terms SAG-AFTRA members need,” the union said. “Unfortunately, throughout the negotiations, the companies have failed to address those needs. For this reason, the negotiating committee and National Board unanimously agreed that the union should have a member-approved strike authorization in hand when bargaining resumes on Sept. 26.”
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“Here we go again! Now our Interactive (Video Game) Agreement is at a stalemate too,” SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher said in the official press release announcing the vote authorization. “Once again we are facing employer greed and disrespect. Once again artificial intelligence is putting our members in jeopardy of reducing their opportunity to work. And once again, SAG-AFTRA is standing up to tyranny on behalf of its members.”
While there is no confirmation of a strike happening, the vote authorization is one step closer to a strike happening, thus delaying any games that would be in development at the time requiring voice actors.
Insider Gaming has reached out to a number of studios for comment on a potential strike. Should we hear back, this story will be adjusted accordingly.
Do you think a strike between video game voice actors and game studios will be avoided, or will the actors join the actors and writers already on the picket line? For more Insider Gaming, see what Microsoft is ending coincidentally along the release of Starfield.
