The Screen Actor’s Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has unanimously voted to authorize a strike against the gaming industry. The union, representing over 160,000 members in film, television, and video games, has cited poor treatment, stagnant wages, and other issues as reasons for the strike. This vote gives the union leverage in negotiations with key studios, and if demands are not met, a strike may be initiated.
What is the SAG-AFTRA Video Game Strike Vote?
SAG-AFTRA has followed the Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) and conducted a vote among its members to determine whether to authorize a strike. After five rounds of failed negotiations with gaming companies, the union decided to take action. Over 98 percent of voters representing a quarter of SAG-AFTRA voted in favor of the strike. This vote serves as a tool to pressure studios during negotiations and may lead to a strike if demands are not met.
SAG-AFTRA’s Major Demands
SAG-AFTRA has put forth several demands in their negotiations with video game companies. These demands include:
1. Limiting the use of performance capture outside of the immediate project.
2. Contractual protection for performers regarding the unregulated use of AI through performance capture.
3. Wage increases in line with those given to the film and television industry to keep up with inflation.
4. Implementation of stricter safety measures.
5. Regulated five-minute rest periods per hour for on-camera performers.
6. Prohibition of stunts for self-taped auditions.
7. Vocal stress protections for voice actors and performers.
Potential Impact on the Gaming Industry
While negotiations are still ongoing and no strike has been initiated yet, the possibility of a strike could lead to significant disruptions in the gaming industry. Projects featuring SAG-AFTRA members may experience delays, and even projects outside of the studios involved in negotiations could be affected. The strike in 2016, which lasted nearly a year, had limited impact on game development due to its subset nature. However, the current strike vote involves a larger portion of the industry, making the potential impact more significant.
SAG-AFTRA Video Game Strike Timeline
Here is a timeline of the SAG-AFTRA video game strike:
– Nov. 7, 2022: The Interactive Media Agreement between SAG-AFTRA and video game companies expires, leading to new negotiations.
– Apr. 18, 2023: WGA members unanimously vote to authorize strike action.
– May 2: WGA members begin strike action.
– July 14: SAG-AFTRA film and television members initiate strike action after failing to reach an agreement with AMPTP.
– Sept. 1: SAG-AFTRA issues a vote to authorize a strike against video game companies.
– Sept. 5: Voting for strike authorization opens for eligible members.
– Sept. 25: WGA reaches a “tentative agreement” with AMPTP, potentially ending the strike after five months.
– Sept. 25: Voting for strike authorization closes with unanimous support from SAG-AFTRA members.
– Sept. 26-28: Next round of negotiations between the union and video game companies is scheduled.
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Source: DOTESPORTS
