SAG-AFTRA, the union representing Hollywood talent, has called for a strike against major video game publishers. The decision to strike comes after more than a year and a half of negotiations without a deal. This strike is taking place at a time when there is increased activity around unionization in the game industry, with Blizzard’s World of Warcraft team and Bethesda Game Studios recently voting to unionize.
The game companies have issued a statement expressing disappointment in the union’s decision to walk away from negotiations. They claim to be close to a deal and are prepared to resume negotiations. The companies have already found common ground on 24 out of 25 proposals, including historic wage increases and additional safety provisions. They argue that their offer is directly responsive to SAG-AFTRA’s concerns and includes strong AI protections that require consent and fair compensation for all performers.
SAG-AFTRA is striking against the game companies over the use of talent in AI. The convenience bargaining group with whom SAG-AFTRA is negotiating includes well-known companies such as Activision Blizzard, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts, and WB Games. Any game that wants to employ SAG-AFTRA talent must sign agreements that offer critical AI protections for members.
Negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the game companies began in October 2022. On September 24, 2023, SAG-AFTRA members approved a video game strike authorization with an overwhelming 98.32% yes vote. While agreements have been reached on many important issues, the employers have refused to explicitly affirm, in clear and enforceable language, that they will protect all performers covered by the contract in their use of AI.
SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher stated that they will not consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of their members. They are demanding fair compensation and the right of informed consent for the AI use of their faces, voices, and bodies. The union believes that the video game industry, which generates billions of dollars in profit annually, should provide the same fundamental protections to performers as other entertainment industries.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the national executive director and chief negotiator for SAG-AFTRA, emphasized the importance of fair compensation and AI protections for performers in the video game industry. He stated that the creative people who design and create games, including SAG-AFTRA members, deserve these protections. Crabtree-Ireland expressed surprise that video game studios have not learned from the lessons of the past year and urged them to recognize the demands of their members.
The Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee Chair, Sarah Elmaleh, emphasized that 18 months of negotiations have shown that the employers are not interested in fair AI protections. She stated that the union refuses to leave any members behind and will not wait any longer for sufficient protection. SAG-AFTRA looks forward to collaborating with teams on their Interim and Independent contracts, which provide AI transparency, consent, and compensation to all performers. They are committed to negotiating in good faith with the bargaining group when they are ready to join them in creating a fair and equitable industry.