The history of Hollywood strike, which involves screenwriters and actors in the United States, added another chapter last Friday (1/9). The mobilization, which began in May this year, now appears to encompass another group. This time, the gaming world got involved in the case.
It turns out that, on Friday, the United States Actors Union (SAG-AFTRA) gave the green light to hold a vote among its members in order to consider the possibility of starting a strike against important video game development companies.
The mobilization occurred due to an impasse that arose in negotiations with renowned companies, such as Take-Two, Activision and Insomniac.
American actors are seeking an 11% salary increase, a demand equivalent to the percentage required for the film and television industry. Furthermore, the union is calling for protective measures against the threat posed by artificial intelligence for artists.
In an official statement, SAG-AFTRA negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said:
“Voice and motion capture Artificial Intelligence is already among the most advanced uses: the threat is here and it is real.”
Duncan continues:
“Without contractual protections, employers are asking artists to unknowingly participate in the extinction of their artistic talent and their livelihoods,” he added.
Right now, negotiations are involving some of the biggest developers and distributors in the gaming world.
Among the giants participating in these negotiations are companies such as ActivisionDisney, Electronic Arts (EA), Epic Games, Take-Two and Insomniac Games, which is currently working on the development of “Spider-Man 2”.
The union president, Fran Drescher, also gave his statement about the case:
“Once again we face greed and disrespect towards employers. Once again, artificial intelligence is putting our members at risk of reduced job opportunities. And once again, SAG-AFTRA is standing up to tyranny on behalf of its members,” he pointed out.
Will there be a video game actor strike?
Photo: Getty Images
The official decision on a possible strike by video game actors has not yet been taken, but the vote to determine whether the movement will go ahead is scheduled to take place until September 25th.
If the strike is approved, several titles in development that depend on motion capture may face delays, a situation similar to what is observed in the Hollywood film industry.
In a statement to BBC, Audrey Cooling, spokeswoman for the developers, emphasized the companies’ desire to reach a “fair contract”. She stated:
“We are negotiating in good faith and hope to reach a mutually beneficial agreement as quickly as possible.”
