Video Game Voice Actors May Go On Strike As Union Authorizes Vote

Video Game Companies have until Sept 26 to negotiate with SAG-AFTRA 

As the protests in Los Angeles continue with SAG-AFTRA, there may be an extension towards those within the interactive media industry as well now. Specifically aiming at Video Game Voice Actors as the union's board has been sent to all members ahead of the future negotiation. 

On the official SAG-AFTRA website, the national board has unanimously voted to send a strike authorization to members in preparation of the union's bargaining dates. According to the source, it has been almost a year since the video game contract and companies have failed to address the needs associated with negotiations. The union should have a member-approved strike authorization starting on September 26. 

Video game companies that have been set to negotiate include: 

• Activision Production Inc. 
  
• Blindlight LLC.
• Disney Character Voices Inc.
• Electronic Arts Productions Inc.
• Epic Games, Inc.
• Formosa Interactive LLC. 
• Insomniac Games Inc. 
• Take Two Productions Inc.
• VoiceWorks Productions Inc.
• Warner Bros Games Inc. 

SAG-AFTRA's National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland had this to say on the matter: 

"The voice and performance capture artists who bring video game characters to life deserve a contract that reflects the value they bring to the multibillion-dollar gaming industry. Voice and performance capture AI are already among the most advanced uses of AI: the threat is here and it is real. Without contractual protections, the employers are asking performers to unknowingly participate in the extinction of their artistry and livelihoods."

Furthermore, wage increases have been vouched for video game performers as the negotiation date approaches. SAG-AFTRA is seeking 11% retroactive to set expiration date and 4% wage increase necessary to keep up with factors such as inflation. If video game companies fail to meet with expectations set by SAG, the national board will declare a strike.