In the heart of Los Angeles, the entertainment industry is once again at a crossroads, with the spotlight now on the dedicated voice actors and motion capture performers of the video game world. The stage is set for a potential strike that could disrupt the gaming universe as we know it. In an industry that has seen its fair share of labor disputes, the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) union has taken a decisive step by authorizing a strike if labor negotiations fail to address the pressing concerns of its members. This resounding vote in favor of a strike, with a staggering 98.32% majority, has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, potentially paving the way for a historic showdown between video game performers and industry giants.
The Union’s Call for Action
With the authorization to strike granted, SAG-AFTRA is poised to commence contract negotiations with leading gaming companies. These discussions come at a pivotal moment, as the union finds itself concurrently navigating another labor dispute, representing film and television actors who embarked on a strike just months ago. This simultaneous occurrence marks a significant juncture in Hollywood‘s labor history, a phenomenon not witnessed in over six decades.
For context, this situation bears semblance to the Writers Guild of America strike that unfolded earlier this year. Approximately 11,500 members of the writers’ union halted their work, pushing for better labor conditions. Ultimately, they reached a preliminary agreement with major studios, shedding light on the potential for compromise in the entertainment industry.
The Long-Standing Battle
The labor agreement covering video game performers under SAG-AFTRA expired in November of the previous year. Since then, it has been extended on a monthly basis as negotiations continued between the union and major video game companies. The primary concerns on the table mirror those raised by their Hollywood counterparts, focusing on higher pay, improved medical treatment, adequate breaks for motion capture performers, and safeguards against the encroaching threat of artificial intelligence (AI).
The anxiety surrounding AI is palpable. Ashly Burch, renowned for her role as a video game voice actor in “Horizon Zero Dawn,” voiced a pressing concern: “This is at an inflection point for our industry. In particular with AI, because right now there aren’t any protections. So, there’s every possibility that someone could sign a contract and be signing away the right to their voice or their movement.”
Seeking Fair Compensation
SAG-AFTRA is unwavering in its quest for wage increases for video game performers, highlighting that their pay has not kept pace with inflation. Moreover, they advocate for enhanced protections for motion-capture performers, those individuals who don markers or sensors on their skin or wear body suits to aid game makers in crafting lifelike character movements. This is a crucial step towards ensuring the well-being of performers who bring our favorite video game characters to life.
Balancing Rest Periods
One significant demand put forth by the union is the requirement for on-camera performers to have the same five-minute rest period per hour that off-camera performers currently enjoy. This seemingly small but essential request is emblematic of the union’s commitment to the overall welfare of its members, ensuring that they are not overexerted during strenuous recording sessions.
The Negotiations Ahead
As the union prepares to engage in negotiations, it will face off with major video game industry titans, including Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Formosa Interactive, and others. Audrey Cooling, speaking on behalf of the video game companies, expressed optimism, stating, “We will continue to negotiate in good faith to reach an agreement that reflects the important contributions of SAG-AFTRA-represented performers in video games. We have reached tentative agreements on over half of the proposals and are optimistic we can find a resolution at the bargaining table.”
The stage is set, and the actors are ready to perform their roles not on a virtual stage, but in the boardrooms where the fate of the video game industry hangs in the balance. As the negotiations unfold, the world will watch with bated breath, hoping for an equitable resolution that recognizes the contributions of these talented performers.
In conclusion, the world of entertainment, particularly the video game industry, is standing at a critical juncture. With the resounding support for a potential strike, SAG-AFTRA has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the rights and well-being of its members. As negotiations commence, the future of video game performance hangs in the balance. The decisions made in the coming days and weeks will not only impact the livelihoods of the performers but also shape the landscape of the entire gaming industry.