SAG-AFTRA Video Game Strike To Continue Despite Continued Negotiations

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The ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike by video game voice actors will persist following unsuccessful negotiations that failed to produce a fresh agreement. In a statement published on its website Tuesday evening, the lead negotiator for the video game division of SAG-AFTRA, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, reported some advancements in certain aspects, but these steps don’t fully address the union’s worries regarding “AI Misuse.

Despite significant advancements and settled points since our strike commenced last year, the latest offer from the negotiating team contains concerning gaps that could expose our workers to harmful AI practices. Our union has presented a revised proposal that meticulously fills these gaps, resulting in a contract that provides the essential safeguards necessary for our members to maintain secure, long-term careers as video game performers.

The “bargaining group” is expressing optimism about reaching an agreement, but Crabtree-Ireland contends that this is more a tactic aimed at causing dissension among the union members.

In simpler terms, Crabtree-Ireland stated that they aim to utilize any past performances and those found from external sources, without any negotiations regarding protection. This means you could be unaware about your replica being used, not receive any compensation, and have no control over the situation. They also wish to keep your replica functioning during potential future strikes, regardless of your preference. Furthermore, once you’ve given consent for how your replica can be utilized, they are under no obligation to disclose what they actually did with it.

After the union’s recent declaration, studio representatives responded by issuing a statement to Eurogamer.

Audrey Cooling, a representative, announced that we’ve put forward a proposal with significant wage hikes exceeding 15% for actors in video games represented by SAG-AFTRA. This deal also strengthens health and safety measures, sets top-tier standards for AI character use, and provides extra payment for actors’ performances across different games. We’ve made substantial strides and are excited to resume negotiations to finalize the agreement.

The video game actors’ work stoppage commenced in July 2024, but despite its ongoing nature, the union reports that over 160 games have entered into temporary and self-governing contracts to collaborate with SAG-AFTRA members.

According to the union, the agreements in question encompass the safeguards we’ve long sought from the negotiating party – provisions that are practical and agreeable to numerous video game companies regardless of their size, despite some resistance from the negotiation teams.

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2025-03-12 19:48