You are certainly already aware, it has been several months now since a strike of screenwriters and actors was launched in Hollywood, with the logical consequence of postponements of the release of certain projects such as at Sony Pictures or on the side of Disney. Good news, an agreement in principle has been found between the WGA (Writers Guild of America) and theAMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers), which could put an end to this blockage, even if the strike is far from over on the actors’ side, as the union reminds us SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists). And on this subject, the world of video games could very soon be impacted.
Indeed, the members of the SAG-AFTRA 98.32% voted in favor of authorizing a strike for actors working in the video game fieldcovered by theInteractive Media Agreement, even if “only” 34,687 members made their voices heard, or 27.47% of potential voters. This does not mean that it will necessarily take place, but the ball is now clearly in the court of the publishers who have every interest in taking into account the demands.
THE communicated reminds that THE SAG-AFTRA has been in talks since October 2022 with the signatories of theInteractive Media Agreementto know Activision Productions, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts Productions, Insomniac Games, Epic Games And Warner Bros. Games for the best known, but also Blindlight (Starfield, Destiny 2…), Formosa Interactive, Take 2 Productions And VoiceWorks Productions. Points of disagreement with different companies range from salaries not keeping up with inflation to protection against the misuse of artificial intelligence. Negotiations will continue this week, from Tuesday September 26 to Thursday September 28.
“It’s time for video game companies to stop playing games and get serious about reaching an agreement on this contract,” said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. “The outcome of this vote shows that our members understand the existential nature of these negotiations and that the time has come for these companies – who make billions of dollars and pay their CEOs generously – to give our artists a deal that makes their performances in the video game field a viable career. »
“After five rounds of negotiations, it has become abundantly clear that video game companies are unwilling to meaningfully engage on critical issues: reduced compensation due to inflation, no use regulation of AI and security,” said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. “I hope we can reach an agreement that meets the needs of our members, but our members are done being exploited, and if these companies are not willing to offer a fair deal, our next stop will be the picket lines. strike. »
“Between AI misuses and wage lag, those working in the video game industry face the same issues as those working in film and television,” said Ray Rodriguez, director of contracts. “This strike authorization clearly states that we must reach an agreement that will compensate these talented artists fairly, provide common-sense safety measures and allow them to work with dignity. Our members’ livelihoods depend on it.
Let’s hope these latest talks go well, because otherwise the strike won’t be far awaywhich could therefore impact the development of certain games depending on its duration.
| Alexandre SAMSON (Omega Law) Responsible Proofreader – Editor | ||
| Addicted to Assassin’s Creed and Destiny, big fan of RPGs and passionate about video game experiences in general. Reader of comics (DC) and various mangas (One Piece!). Chemist by training and Whovian at heart. | ||
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