Hollywood’s videogame performers to strike over AI and compensation issues
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 03: SAG-AFTRA member Caryn West (C) and other members and supporters picket outside Paramount Studios on day 113 of their strike against the Hollywood studios on November 3, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Contract negotiations between the actors union and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) are continuing in the strike which began on July 14. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Video game voice actors and motion-capture performers have announced a strike due to unresolved labor contract negotiations concerning AI-related protections, leading to another work stoppage in Hollywood.
The SAG-AFTRA union has called a strike under the Interactive Media Agreement, which covers video game performers, effective July 26. This decision follows months of negotiations with major video game companies such as Activision Productions, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Take-Two Interactive, Disney Character Voices, and Warner Bros Discovery’s WB Games.
The Interactive Media Agreement expired in November 2022 and had been extended on a monthly basis during the talks.
“While we have reached agreements on many key issues, employers have refused to provide clear and enforceable language to protect all performers from AI-related concerns,” the union stated.
SAG-AFTRA, which also represents film and television actors, previously went on strike in July last year over similar AI issues, marking Hollywood’s first dual work stoppage in 63 years.
In addition to AI protections, SAG-AFTRA is advocating for higher wages, improved medical treatment, and better break provisions for motion-capture performers, whose pay has not kept pace with inflation. The union is also pushing for enhanced protections for those using motion-capture technology.
“We are disappointed that the union chose to strike when we are so close to an agreement and are ready to continue negotiations,” said Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the video game producers involved in the Interactive Media Agreement. Cooling noted that the producers had agreed to 24 out of 25 proposals, including significant wage increases and additional safety measures. The latest offer includes AI protections that mandate consent and fair compensation for all performers under the IMA.
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