Time: 2024-07-26
The SAG - AFTRA actors union has announced a strike against video game companies that utilize actors ' images or voices in games . The strike is set to begin at 12:01 a.m. Pacific time on Friday after lengthy negotiations spanning over a year and a half . Members of the 160,000 - person union will no longer participate in video games produced by major companies such as Activision Blizzard , WB Games , and Electronic Arts , among others . The strike order excludes games that were in production as of September 2023 , including live service games like Fortnite.
SAG - AFTRA 's demands mirror those made against television and movie studios in the past , focusing on higher wages and job protections in light of the increasing use of Artificial intelligence in the industry . The union 's president , Fran Drescher , expressed concerns over companies potentially abusing artificial intelligence to the detriment of their members . She emphasized the importance of fair treatment and ensuring that performers are not exploited in the rapidly evolving landscape of video game development.
The use of artificial intelligence has become a central issue in negotiations , with SAG - AFTRA members insisting on fair compensation and the right to informed consent for the AI use of their faces , voices , and bodies . The union has been in talks with major gaming companies such as Activision , Electronic Arts , WB Games , and Disney for an extended period , with union members authorizing a strike in September.
While SAG - AFTRA remains steadfast in its demands , the video game producers argue that they have already made significant concessions . A spokesperson for the companies involved in the negotiations highlighted that common ground has been found on the majority of proposals , including historic wage increases and additional safety provisions . The offer presented by the companies aims to address SAG - AFTRA 's concerns and extends meaningful AI protections , including the requirement for consent and fair compensation for all performers under the Interactive Media Agreement.
The strike comes on the heels of a previous strike by SAG - AFTRA members against major Hollywood studios between July and November of the previous year . The ongoing negotiations underscore the importance of fair treatment and compensation for video game performers in an industry that continues to evolve with the integration of artificial intelligence technologies.
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