The actors’ strike could extend to video games

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) walkout, which started on July 13, has completely paralyzed Hollywood. However, the impact of this situation could extend beyond the world of cinema. The actors’ strike has set its sights, now, on the video game industry.

Over the years, and as games have become more complex in the narrative field, developer companies increasingly require more actors. Either to capture his image and complete performance, or to lend his voice.

In fact, Part of the actors who participate in video games are also associated with the aforementioned union.

Thus, the organization wants these interpreters to also raise their voices to demand better working conditions. And it is that, since November 2022, the contract between the union and multiple American video game companies expired. These include Activision, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Insomniac Games, Take-2 Interactive, and Warner Bros. Games.

Actors demand a salary increase from video game companies

The most worrying thing is that the months are running their course and they still have not reached a renewal agreement. Because? The demands of the union, among which are included a salary increase of 11%They are not to the liking of corporations.

The actors union, therefore, requested that its affiliates vote in favor of starting a strike in the video game industry before September 25.

“Once again, we are faced with greed and disrespect from employers,” he said. Fran Drescherpresident of SAG-AFTRA.

Drescher, who has become the actors’ megaphone, mentions that in video games too there is a risk that artificial intelligence will take away their jobs. Especially those of those who lend their voice.

“Once again, artificial intelligence puts our members at risk by reducing their opportunities to work. We all want a fair contract, one that reflects the significant contributions of artists represented by SAG-AFTRA in an industry that provides entertainment to billions of players around the world,” added Drescher.

The industry wants to avoid a crisis like the one in Hollywood

Now, unlike film companies, which are not willing to give in to the requests of their employees, In the video game industry there is a willingness to resolve differences.

In an interview with AxiosAudrey Cooling, representative of the video game industry before SAG-AFTRA, affirmed that they are maintaining the conversation with the actors to reach a solution. “We are negotiating in good faith and hope to reach a mutually beneficial agreement as soon as possible”he commented.

Undoubtedly, for the video game industry it would be catastrophic if the actors went on strike. There are many titles whose development depends, and a lot, on the participation of artists; mainly those focused on the narrative experience.

If an actors’ strike broke out in the video game industry, multiple titles would experience delays. Considering that the production time of a game is significantly longer than that of a movie or series, companies risk being left without releases for extended periods.

At the moment, it does not seem that the giants of the video game industry want to risk multimillion-dollar losses because their developments are not advancing. We will have to keep an eye on the issue.