SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher, urges the union to authorize a strike against the video game industry, saying “right now is the time to show our solidarity.”
SAG-AFTRA President Shows Solidarity with Video Game Performers
In a Twitter post, Fran Dreschner urged members to vote yes on the strike authorization referendum and detailed the changes video game companies failed to meet in their negotiations.
Companies Failed Negotiations for the Interactive Media Agreement
It has been a year since SAG-AFTRA has renegotiated terms found in its separate contract, Interactive Media Agreement, with gaming companies that employ SAG-AFTRA members. SAG-AFTRA posted an update on its official website on September 1, 2023 stating that throughout the negotiations, the game companies have failed to address settlement agreements on the changes in the contract.
In the same update, SAG-AFTRA stated that their negotiating committee and National Board have unanimously agreed that the union should have a member-approved strike authorization in hand when bargaining resumes on September 26, 2023.
Protection Against Unregulated Use of AI
Professionals who are most affected by the failed negotiations are mostly people included in a great deal of performance motion capture, most notably stunt performers. Stunt performers provide digitally captured performances used for video game characters’ more animated movements. SAG-AFTRA urges their members to take action as they believe that unregulated use of AI poses an enormous threat to these artists’ professions.
SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said, “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.”
One such change is a "protective language" in the contract, which would require the performer’s informed consent and appropriate payment for the creation and use of digital replicas.
Wage Increase, Safety, and Protection for Video Game Performers
In addition to AI protections, SAG-AFTRA sought for the same wage increases for video game performers as for those who work under the film and television contracts, which they deem are necessary increases for members’ wages to keep up with inflation.
SAG-AFTRA shared that they had asked for on-camera performers to have the same five-minutes-per-hour rest period that off-camera performers are entitled to. Along with the periodic rest, the union highlighted the need for a set medic present when stunts or hazardous work is performed. They also focused on the personal safety of their members, urging vocal stress protections, and prohibitions against stunts on self-taped auditions.
