The Gaming Industry on Strike: What that means for you
We are now past day 140 of the WGA strike and a new fighter has potentially entered the fold: the video game industry. Here’s what that means.
The Basics
On September 1st, SAG-AFTRA unanimously voted to send interactive media (a.k.a. video games) strike authorization votes to members. This does not mean that artists are officially on strike, nor does it mean everyone is on strike. This strike vote is specifically pertaining to the work of voice actors and is not extended to developers, though it will impact them.
Furthermore, a strike authorization vote does not instantly mean a strike will go forward. However, it does indicate that the union finds that there are grounds for a strike and is extending a vote to the community to further affirm this. If the majority of the union members were to vote “yes”, though, we would find ourselves in the midst of a third simultaneous strike.
What Are The Demands?
Voice actors were on strike as recently as 2017-2018; however, that renegotiated contract has already been extended a year past its expiration date and none of the concerns VA’s asked be addressed have been met. SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, said of the issue:
“The voice and performance capture artists who bring video game characters to life deserve a contract that reflects the value they bring to the multibillion-dollar gaming industry. Voice and performance capture AI are already among the most advanced uses of AI: the threat is here and it is real. Without contractual protections, the employers are asking performers to unknowingly participate in the extinction of their artistry and livelihoods.”
Aside from the ever increasing threat of AI by executives, wage increases and working hours also continue to be a pertinent issue in negotiations. Votes are to be in by 5 p.m. PT on the 25th of September and further bargaining is scheduled from the 26-28th of September. Leading members at SAG-AFTRA do not seem hopeful, as after a year of studios dragging their feet, they encourage members to vote “yes”.
Who Will Be Affected By The Strikes?
Right now, it’s difficult to speak on any specific releases that will be affected in the coming year, but the list of studios currently in contract with SAG-AFTRA has been released. They are as follows:
Activision Productions Inc.,
Blindlight LLC,
Disney Character Voices Inc.,
Electronic Arts Productions Inc.,
Epic Games, Inc.,
Formosa Interactive LLC,
Insomniac Games Inc.,
Take 2 Productions Inc.,
VoiceWorks Productions Inc., and
WB Games Inc.
Should the strike go forward, all voice actors would cease production with these studios, as well as any other projects, and join the picket line. However, Crabtree-Ireland said of indie development studios in a statement to The Wrap,
“I do anticipate that we might offer interim agreements in this area like we’ve done in TV, theatrical and streaming. And so there may be independent video game companies that will choose to enter into interim agreements with us if we approve those.”
Thus, dependent on who takes on these interim agreements, production may continue with indie companies. Only if, though, they are in agreement and compliance with SAG-AFTRA. So, unless given permission by SAG-AFTRA, no voice acting of any kind or promotion of voice acting projects will be taking place.
Is There Anything I Can Do?
Right now, there are three things that can be done.
Wait. Right now, we are in a waiting period and union members are still sending in their votes. That means, until at least the 25th of September, we will not know if the strike has been authorized.
Hold Studios Accountable. Games are not made without the labor of others. Every voiced acted game you’ve ever loved was performed by someone who also has to pay the bills and studios take advantage of the fact this is a creative field. Believing that they can sell people on the idea that if actors love what they do, that should be more than enough. It is not. Do your research and know predatory labor practices when you see them!
Support Voice Actors! Despite common misconceptions, most voice actors aren’t rich. They’re average people trying to make a living through art that we have the privilege to enjoy. Through a better contract, they are attempting to protect their livelihoods and make a better work environment for better games. Nobody deserves to work grueling days and be repaid with the threat of having their voice stolen by corporate entities.
Conclusions
We may not know what the future holds for the video game industry, but it should always involve an environment that supports fair labor practices and allows art to be made in a way that isn’t harmful. By supporting the strikes, you are supporting better games and potentially, even lighting the way for developers to unionize as well.
When one of us wins, all of us win. That is what supporting unions is all about.
Sources
SAG-AFTRA. (2023, September 1). AFTRA National Board votes unanimously to send Interactive Media (video game) strike authorization vote to members. sagaftra.org. https://www.sagaftra.org/sag-aftra-national-board-votes-unanimously-send-interactive-media-video-game-strike-authorization
Reyes, J. (2023, September 19). Video game actors strike looking more possible, bargaining talks apparently going nowhere. GameSpot. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/video-game-actors-strike-looking-more-possible-bargaining-talks-apparently-going-nowhere/1100-6517812/
Seitz, L. (2023, September 20). SAG-AFTRA’s Duncan Crabtree-Ireland says video game talks are over “the same fight” as studio strike. TheWrap. https://www.thewrap.com/sag-aftra-duncan-crabtree-ireland-video-game-talks-studio-strike-same-fight/
Robb, D. (2023, September 16). SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher urges members to approve strike authorization against video game companies. Deadline. https://deadline.com/2023/09/sag-aftra-president-fran-drescher-urges-members-approve-strike-authorization-video-game-companies-1235548504/
