Video game performers are officially on strike. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists called a walkout this week on behalf of roughly 2,600 actors doing voice-over, motion-capture and other work in the gaming industry. Union leaders took the step after they could not reach an agreement on artificial intelligence terms while bargaining for a new contract with the top video game companies, including Activision, Electronic Arts, Insomniac and Blindlight.
“We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of our members,” SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said in a statement Thursday. “Enough is enough.” Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the video game producers, said in a statement: “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.
” How did we get here? The union has been in contract negotiations with the video game companies since 2022, and the Interactive Media Agreement expired that November. Video game performers are seeking a new agreement that will require video game producers to obtain their consent and compensate them when using AI to replicate their voices or likenesses. They are also demanding wage increases to keep up with inflation, more rest time and set medics for hazardous jobs.
Tensions escalated in September 2023, when union members voted 98% in favor of authorizing a strike . Duncan Cr.