Video game voice actors in SAG-AFTRA to go on strike over AI protections

SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, acting under the authority delegated by the SAG-AFTRA National Board, and with the unanimous advice and counsel of the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee, called a strike of the Interactive Media Agreement, effective July 26 at 12:01 a.m. “Today’s vote to strike comes after more than a year and a half of negotiations without a deal,” said the union. “The convenience bargaining group with whom SAG-AFTRA is negotiating includes Activision Productions Inc. (MSFT), Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc. (DIS), Electronic Arts Productions Inc. (EA), Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc. (SONY), Llama Productions LLC, Take 2 Productions Inc. (TTWO), VoiceWorks Productions Inc., and WB Games (WBD). Any game looking to employ SAG-AFTRA talent to perform covered work must sign on to the new Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement, the Interim Interactive Media Agreement or the Interim Interactive Localization Agreement. These agreements offer critical A.I. protections for members. Negotiations began in October 2022 and on Sept. 24, 2023, SAG-AFTRA members approved a video game strike authorization with a 98.32% yes vote. 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 A.I. language.” “We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse A.I. to the detriment of our members. Enough is enough. When these companies get serious about offering an agreement our members can live – and work – with, we will be here, ready to negotiate,” stated SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher.