SAG-AFTRA has just declared a strike less than a year after their last labor dispute.
Game Over
The voices behind video games are going silent. After almost two years of contract talks that went nowhere, SAG-AFTRA has declared an industry-wide strike against video game companies, starting July 26.
Fans Prepare Themselves
This move comes 10 months after members voted to authorize strike action and it means no more recording for games – fans are bracing for impact.
AI vs. Actors
So, what’s all the fuss about? At the heart of this strike is the use of artificial intelligence. Performers are furious about companies using AI to replicate their voices and likenesses without proper consent or fair compensation.
“Enough is Enough!”
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher didn’t hold back in a statement, saying, “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.” The union is fed up and ready to take a stand.
Ten Giants in the Crosshairs
The strike targets ten major companies, including Disney, Activision, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, and WB Games.
Disappointment From Employers
A spokesperson for the companies, Audrey Cooling, said in a statement, “We are disappointed the union is choosing to go on strike so close to a deal.”
So Close, Yet So Far
She pointed out that they had made significant progress, agreeing on 24 out of 25 proposals, including “historic wage increases and additional safety measures.” But for the union, AI protections are a massive deal breaker.
Déjà Vu
This isn’t the first time video game performers have taken such drastic action. You may remember the strike back in 2016-17, which lasted for 183 days. When these performers commit, they mean business.
Billions at Stake
The video game industry, which rakes in billions each year, owes much of its success to the talented voices that bring characters to life. As the industry grows, so do the concerns about how technology, like AI, might lead to performers being shortchanged and taken advantage of.
Flagrant Exploitation”
Sarah Elmaleh, chair of SAG-AFTRA’s interactive media committee and a voice actor known for “Hi-Fi Rush,” didn’t mince words either. “Eighteen months of negotiations have shown us that our employers are not interested in fair, reasonable AI protections, but rather flagrant exploitation,” she said in a statement. The sentiment is clear: performers feel their livelihoods are at risk in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Union’s Trump Card
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the union’s National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, had been given the authority to call the strike, an indication of just how serious members.
Learning From Past Mistaking
In his statement, Crabtree-Ireland emphasized the importance of fair compensation and protections against AI misuse, and called out the video game industry for not learning from its past mistakes.
The AI Conundrum
Despite ongoing talks, the two sides are still miles apart on the AI issue. The union is demanding informed consent and fair compensation for the use of their members’ faces, voices, and bodies – a demand that producers seem reluctant to meet fully.
Producers Push Back
Game producers, on the other hand, claim they’ve already offered meaningful AI protections. “Our offer is directly responsive to SAG-AFTRA’s concerns and extends meaningful AI protections that include requiring consent and fair compensation to all performers working under the IMA,” said a producer’s spokesperson in a statement.
Are They Asking For Too Much?
They insist their terms are “among the strongest in the entertainment industry” – but it’s clearly not strong enough for SAG-AFTRA.
United We Stand
Last September the union members voted overwhelmingly in favor of strike authorization, with 98.32% support. This strong backing highlights just how united the performers are in their fight for better protections and fair treatment.
Hollywood’s Labor Wave
This strike follows closely after a major Hollywood strike by SAG-AFTRA, which lasted 118 days and also dealt heavily with AI issues.
The Ripple Effect
Right now, Hollywood is buzzing with organized labor activity. While the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees has signed new contracts, Hollywood Teamsters are still in negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers – although there’s talk that they may have just secured a provisional deal one day before their contract expires.
Silent Characters, Loud Message
As video game performers walk off the job, the silence from some of the world’s most beloved characters will be a powerful statement – and will no doubt cause a lot of delays for video game companies.
What’s Next for the Industry?
Will game companies agree to fair AI protections or are we about to witness another long standoff? Whatever happens here could have some big ripple effects.
DeSantis Under Fire As Florida Left Underwater
Florida residents are struggling this hurricane season, and many are pointing the finger at a certain Governor. DeSantis Under Fire As Florida Left Underwater
Factory Shutdowns in Illinois Devastate 1000 Workers
While the job market seems to be in relatively good shape, some states are feeling the burn – Illinois being one of them. Factory Shutdowns in Illinois Devastate 1000 Workers
Largest Data Breach Exposes Full Names, Social Security Numbers, Driver’s Licenses, and More of 3 Million Americans
A debt collection company just experienced a massive data breach that makes your usual cases of identity theft look like child’s play. Largest Data Breach Exposes Full Names, Social Security Numbers, Driver’s Licenses, and More of 3 Million Americans
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ringo Chiu.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice.