Video game artists to go on strike in another blow to Hollywood - here's why

Video game voice actors and movie performers have called a strike over failed labor contract negotiations centered around artificial intelligence-related protections for workers, bringing yet another work stoppage in Hollywood.

SAG-AFTRA has called an Interactive Media Agreement strike that covers video game performers, effective Friday, the union said Thursday.

The decision comes after months of negotiations with major video game companies, including Activision Productions, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Take-Two Interactive, Disney Character Voices and Warner Bros. Discovery's WB Games.

The Interactive Media deal expired in November 2022 and was being extended on a monthly basis during negotiations.

"Although agreements have been reached on many issues important to SAG-AFTRA members, the employers refuse to state clearly, in clear and enforceable language, that they will protect all performers covered by this contract in their language AI ," the union said in a statement.

SAG-AFTRA also represents film and television actors who went on strike last July over concerns of inadequate safeguards against artificial intelligence, putting Hollywood in the middle of two simultaneous work stoppages for the first time in 63 years.

In addition to AI protections, SAG-AFTRA's most pressing issues in contract negotiations for video game performers are higher pay, medical treatment and vacation time for movie performers.

SAG-AFTRA is seeking pay increases for video game performers, saying their pay hasn't kept pace with inflation, and is seeking more protections for movie performers who wear markers or sensors on their skin or a body suit to help creators of games to create character movements. .

"We are disappointed that the union has chosen to walk away when we are so close to an agreement and we remain prepared to resume negotiations. We have already found common ground on 24 of the 25 proposals, including historic wage increases and additional safety provisions," said Audrey Cooling, a spokeswoman for the video game manufacturers party to the Interactive Media Agreement.

The offer submitted to SAG-AFTRA contains AI protections that include requiring consent and fair compensation for all performers working under the IMA, Cooling said.