SAG-AFTRA’s National Board has unanimously voted to send a strike authorization vote to its members ahead of bargaining dates with video game companies that they have agreements with. The union claims that negotiations for their Interactive Media Agreement, which was extended beyond its original expiration date a year ago, have failed to address crucial issues such as wage increases, rest periods, and AI protections.
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher voiced her concerns about the situation, stating, “Here we go again! Now our Interactive (Video Game) Agreement is at a stalemate too. 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.” She also referenced the union’s ongoing strike over its TV/theatrical contract with the AMPTP, noting that the overlap of the two contracts is not a coincidence but a predictable issue impacting the industry worldwide. Drescher emphasized, “The disease of greed is spreading like wildfire, ready to burn workers out of their livelihoods and humans out of their usefulness. We at SAG-AFTRA say NO! Not on our watch!”
The union is seeking protective language in the contract that will require informed consent and appropriate payment for the creation and use of digital replicas and for training AI systems with members’ performances. In addition, they are asking for the same wage increases for video game performers as for those who work under film and television contracts, specifically 11 percent retroactive to expiration and 4 percent increases in the second and third years of the agreement.
SAG-AFTRA is also demanding a five-minute-per-hour rest period for on-camera performers, as well as the presence of a set medic during stunts or hazardous work, prohibitions against stunts on self-taped auditions, and vocal stress protections.
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The union plans to send information postcards to voters on September 5, and the voting process will conclude on September 25. They have also scheduled informational meetings for union members on September 7 and September 12.
Some of the signatory game companies involved in the negotiations include Activision Productions, Blindlight, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts Productions, Epic Games, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Games, Take 2 Productions, VoiceWorks Productions, and WB Games.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s national executive director and chief negotiator, emphasized the importance of providing voice and performance capture artists with a contract that reflects their value in the multibillion-dollar gaming industry. He also expressed concern about the threat that AI poses to their profession, stating, “Voice and performance capture AI are already among the most advanced uses of AI: the threat is here and it is real. Without contractual protections, the employers are asking performers to unknowingly participate in the extinction of their artistry and livelihoods.”
In conclusion, SAG-AFTRA is taking a stand against employer greed and disrespect in their negotiations with video game companies. They are seeking fair compensation, protective language regarding digital replicas and AI systems, as well as additional rights and protections for performers. The union has sent a strike authorization vote to its members and is actively working to inform and gather support from its members. The outcome of these negotiations will have a significant impact on the future working conditions and rights of video game performers.
