Today a statement was released by SAG-AFTRA for members that work on Video Games to begin a strike after more than a year and a half of negotiations surrounding the Interactive Media Agreement (IMA) has reached no deal. The strike will begin effective July 26th at 12:01am.
The statement explains that negotiations began with a number of companies including Activision Productions Inc., Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., and Insomniac Games Inc. among many others. It is explained that while agreements have been reached on a number of topics that “the employers refuse to plainly affirm, in clear and enforceable language, that they will protect all performers covered by this contract in their A.I. language.
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher released the following quote alongside the statement
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. When these companies ger serious about offering an agreement our members can live – and work – with, we will be here, ready to negotiate.
SAG-AFTRA members approved a video game strike authorization with a 98.32% yes vote. You can read the full Press Release on the SAG-AFTRA Website.
Update: After initially posting this story Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the video game producers party, reached out with a statement in response to SAG-AFTRA’s impending strike. Their statement has been added below:
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. We have already found common ground on 24 out of 25 proposals, including historic wage increases and additional safety provisions. 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. These terms are among the strongest in the entertainment industry.
What Does A SAG-AFTRA Strike Mean For Video Games?
As the Video Game Strike begins all members of SAG-AFTRA will not be able to work for any ‘Struck’ Video Game productions. Working could include active production such as acting (whether it be voice acting, performance, or stunts), background or stand-in work, or performing camera tests. This also includes participating in auditions, authorizing your voice or likeness, or promoting any struck games you’ve been working on as a SAG-AFTRA performer.
The full list of rules for the SAG-AFTRA video game strike can be found here. It’s also important to note that not all Video Game productions are within the scope of the Strike Order, SAG-AFTRA has created a resource for looking up a game via it’s Full Code Name or Production ID so it can be verified whether it’s within the Strike Order. Looking up a game will either return to you a “Game Over!” message, or a “Let’s Play!” if it is not struck.
Fans of TV and Movies will be familiar with the idea of a SAG-AFTRA strike after the almost four months of striking that occurred last year.
What Can I As A Fan Of Video Games Do To Support SAG-AFTRA?
As with the 2023 SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes last year the first thing for everyone to understand is that depending on the length of time there may be delays to known or unknown Video Games on the horizon. It’s important to remember that it’s not the fault of those on strike, but of the companies that can’t come to an agreement to protect the livelihood of those working in video games.
As part of their Strike FAQ page SAG-AFTRA has put together a list of ways that Creators/Streamers, Developers, Fans, and Podcasters can support the strike. This doesn’t ask people to not play games that are within the Strike, but instead asks that you share the message of the strike and promote the importance of the strike.
SAG-AFTRA also asks that if you’re sharing the message that you use the hashtags #LevelUpTheContract, #VideoGameStrike and #SagAftraStrong when sharing on socials. For more information on how you can engage you can explore their “Take Action” page, and for more information overall for members, non-members, or just as a fan you can check out their FAQ page.
SAG-AFTRA At San Diego Comic-Con
For those looking to attend San Diego Comic-Con next week SAG-AFTRA has explained that they understand that due to the proximity it could cause complications so is granting an exception to the strike rules related to promotion and publicity services specifically for SDCC 2024.
