Video game voice actors and motion-capture performers have called for a walkout due to failed labor contract discussions. This latest Hollywood work stoppage centers around demands for AI-related worker safeguards.
Effective July 26, SAG-AFTRA has declared a strike against the Interactive Media Agreement, which protects performers in video games. The union announced this decision on Thursday.
Months of negotiations with major gaming firms such as Electronic Arts, Activision Productions, Epic Games, Take-Two Interactive, Disney Character Voices, and Warner Bros. Discovery’s WB Games preceded the decision.
During the negotiations, the Interactive Media Agreement, which was set to expire in November 2022, was being extended monthly.
“Although agreements have been reached on many issues important to SAG-AFTRA members, the employers refuse to plainly affirm, in clear and enforceable language, that they will protect all performers covered by this contract in their AI language,” the union stated in a statement.
For the first time in 63 years, Hollywood saw two concurrent work stoppages in July of last year due to concerns over insufficient protections against artificial intelligence (AI). The SAG-AFTRA also represents actors from film and television.
Wedbush managing director Michael Pachter suggests that one or more game developers will likely agree to the union’s demands. This is because the video game industry lacks a comparable organization, unlike the movie and television studios, which negotiated from a unified position with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) representing them.
“Once one (developer) does it, all will do it.”
SAG-AFTRA’s top concerns in contract discussions for video game performers include higher compensation, medical care, and breaks. Additionally, they are focused on securing protections against AI.
According to SAG-AFTRA, video game performers’ remuneration has not increased in line with inflation. Additionally, it is working to strengthen safety measures for motion-capture artists who assist game developers in creating character movements by donning body suits, markers, or sensors on their skin.
“We are disappointed that the union decided to withdraw when we were so close to reaching an agreement, and we are still willing to continue talks.” “We have already reached a consensus on 24 out of 25 proposals, which include historic pay increases and extra safety measures,” stated Audrey Cooling, a representative of the Interactive Media Agreement’s gaming producers.
According to Cooling, the offer made to the SAG-AFTRA includes AI protections that mandate consent and just pay for all performers operating under the IMA.
According to Pachter of Wedbush, voice acting contributes only around $500,000 to the average game development budget of approximately $80 million. Moreover, this budget often does not include voice actors at all.
“It just isn’t worth holding up a game’s release to save a few hundred thousand dollars,” Pachter stated.
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