Author: Ariel Landrum
On July 26th, SAG-AFTRA members who perform in video games initiated a strike against video game companies signed to the Interactive Media Agreement. The strike began at 12:01 a.m., following a prolonged period of negotiations that failed to secure protections against using artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry. This strike represents a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to ensure fair compensation and informed consent for performers whose work is being used and replicated by AI technologies.
Kick-off Picket Details:
- What: SAG-AFTRA Video Game Strike kick-off picket
- Who: Members of the SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating (IMA) Committee, including Chair Sarah Elmaleh, Zeke Alton, Ashly Burch, Andi Norris, SAG-AFTRA leadership, National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, union members, labor allies, and video game fans.
- Where: WB Games Inc., Gate 5 at the Corner of Warner Blvd. and South Avon Street, Burbank, CA 91522. Parking on Riverside Drive.
- When: Thursday, August 1, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. PT
The core issue at the heart of this strike is the exploitation of SAG-AFTRA members’ likenesses and performances by AI without fair compensation or informed consent. Despite months of negotiations with major video game companies such as Activision, Electronic Arts, WB Games, and Disney, a satisfactory agreement has not been reached. This has led to a strike affecting approximately 2,600 individuals involved in voice acting, motion capture, and other roles within the video game industry.
This current strike follows the significant strike action taken by SAG-AFTRA members last year against Hollywood studios, which lasted from July 14 to November 9, 2023, for 118 days, making it the longest strike in the union’s history. That strike was primarily focused on similar issues surrounding AI protections and fair compensation in the film and television sectors. The successful resolution of that strike has set a precedent for the ongoing efforts to secure similar protections in the video game industry.
The SAG-AFTRA leadership, including President Fran Drescher and National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, have emphasized that the union will not accept a contract that allows companies to misuse AI at the expense of its members. As negotiations continue, the union remains firm in its stance that comprehensive AI protections are essential for the future of its members’ work and livelihoods.
As the union stands firm in its demands for equitable treatment, those who cannot join the picket lines in person still have several ways to show their support and solidarity from afar.
Here are some actionable ways to support the SAG-AFTRA strike if you can’t attend in person:
- Spread Awareness: Use your social media platforms to share information about the strike, its causes, and its goals. Amplify voices from the union and share news articles and updates to help raise awareness.
- Donate: Consider donating to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, which provides emergency financial assistance and other resources to union members affected by the strike.
- Join Virtual Events: Participate in online rallies, webinars, and discussions organized by SAG-AFTRA or supporting organizations. These events are a great way to stay informed and show solidarity from a distance.
- Contact Decision Makers: Write to video game companies and support the performers’ demands. Politely urge them to negotiate in good faith to provide AI protections and fair compensation.
- Support Striking Workers: Offer personal support to friends or colleagues involved in the strike. This can include financial assistance, emotional support, or help with daily tasks.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Learn more about the issues driving the strike and share this knowledge with others to build a more informed and supportive community.
By spreading awareness, donating, joining virtual events, contacting decision-makers, supporting striking workers, and educating others, you can play a vital role in advocating for fair treatment and protection for video game performers. Stand with SAG-AFTRA and contribute to the fight for justice in the interactive media industry.
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