The video game actor's strike over AI concerns last July could soon be over. SAG-AFTRA is based on Activision Productions Inc., Blanklight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Epic Games LLC, Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Take 2 Productions Inc., WB Games Inc.
The contract will be subject to review and approval by the National Committee and will be subject to ratification by members in the coming weeks, with the conditions expected. According to SAG-AFTRA, the suspension of strike agreement will soon be confirmed as an employer. Once the agreement is finalized, the strike that began on July 16th last year will end. However, the strike will continue until the contract is finalized.
“Everyone at SAG-AFTRA is extremely grateful for the sacrifices made by video game performers and the dedication of the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiation Committee through the last few months of video game strikes. “Patience and tenacity, along with other important benefits, has led to a deal that introduces the necessary AI guardrails to protect the livelihoods of performers in the AI era.”
In the same press release, Fran Drescher, president of SAG-AFTRA, wrote: “Our video game performers stood strong against the biggest employers of the world's most lucrative industry. Their incredible courage and tenacity, coupled with the tireless work of the negotiation committee, finally secured a deal. Negotiations are ongoing work, and progress is the name of the game.”
The aforementioned strike began last July. SAG-AFTRA members approved strike approval in September 2023 Yes voted at 98.32%. While SAG-AFTRA executives sound happy with the contract, they don't know how they will address AI and other concerns that have led to the strike until ratification materials are officially released in the coming weeks.
