Introduction

The long-standing strike by video game voice actors may soon reach a resolution. SAG-AFTRA, the union representing these actors, has announced that negotiations concerning the interactive media agreement will restart on Wednesday, October 23rd. This development follows nearly two years of discussions that have faltered over critical worker protections and the impact of artificial intelligence in the industry.

The Negotiations

The interactive media bargaining group includes major video game companies such as Activision, Insomniac Games, Take-Two, and Electronic Arts. The tension escalated in September 2022 when SAG-AFTRA’s membership voted overwhelmingly in favor of strike authorization, signaling that unless a satisfactory agreement was reached, a formal strike would ensue. This summer, on July 26, the union officially began picketing, highlighting their demand for fair treatment and protection of their rights.

Key Issues

A central issue in negotiations has been the protection of voice and motion performers in the face of advancing AI technology. SAG-AFTRA argues that the companies involved have been reluctant to provide adequate safeguards, while the bargaining companies maintain that their proposed protections adhere to current industry standards. The disagreement over these terms has stymied progress in reaching a new agreement.

Recent Developments

Recently, negotiations became even more charged when SAG-AFTRA expanded its strike list to include the hugely popular game League of Legends. The union filed an unfair labor practice complaint against Formosa Entertainment, which supplies voice acting services for League of Legends and other titles by Riot Games, over allegations that the company was attempting to bypass the strike by hiring non-union actors.

Conclusion

As negotiations resume, the stakes could not be higher. With the video game industry continuing to grow rapidly and AI technologies becoming increasingly integrated into game development, the outcome of these discussions could set a critical precedent for how actors are treated in the future. Both SAG-AFTRA and the interactive media bargaining group are expected to provide updates on the negotiations, and the gaming community is eager to see how this saga unfolds. Stay tuned for more updates on this critical issue!