Listen: Video Game Strike

SAG-AFTRA Members Overwhelmingly Vote to Strike Against Video Game Industry

In a resounding win for SAG-AFTRA members, 98.32% have authorized a strike against ten major video game companies. With over 34,000 members casting their ballots, it’s clear that the guild is ready to take action.

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher called out the video game companies, stating, “It’s time for them to stop playing games and take these contract negotiations seriously. Our performers deserve a fair agreement that recognizes video game acting as a viable career.”

While the vote doesn’t guarantee a strike, it does empower the national board to call for one if negotiations fail to produce an acceptable agreement. Talks with the companies will resume on Tuesday, and a strike could follow shortly after.

Concerns over compensation, the use of artificial intelligence, and safety are key issues at the heart of the negotiations. The guild’s National Executive Director, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, highlighted the unwillingness of video game companies to engage meaningfully on these crucial matters.

The ongoing film and TV strike shares many similarities with the issues faced by video game actors, including wages and AI usage. Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez emphasized the need for fair compensation and common-sense safety measures for these talented performers.

As the guild faces the possibility of dual strikes, with both the film and TV industry and now the video game sector at a stalemate, President Fran Drescher emphasized SAG-AFTRA’s commitment to standing up against employer greed and artificial intelligence’s impact on members’ livelihoods.

The ten companies facing a possible strike are: