Will Gaming Soon Join The Hollywood Celebs In The Writer’s Strike?
The entertainment industry is no stranger to labor disputes, and it seems that the tension is spreading, affecting not just Hollywood but also the gaming world. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has announced that its members will soon cast their votes on whether to authorize a strike against video game companies. This move follows a year of extended negotiations since the expiration of their previous contract.
The Call for Action
In a statement, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher expressed the frustrations of the union’s members, emphasizing the need for wage increases and protections against the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the gaming industry. The last contract, dating back to 2017, failed to address these critical concerns, echoing the sentiment expressed during the ongoing strikes in Hollywood, where both film and TV actors and writers have voiced their anxieties about technology encroaching on their livelihoods.
“Once again we are facing employer greed and disrespect,” said Drescher. “Once again artificial intelligence is putting our members in jeopardy of reducing their opportunity to work. And once again, SAG-AFTRA is standing up to tyranny on behalf of its members.”
The Implications
If SAG-AFTRA members under the interactive contract decide to strike, it would mark the first such action since October 2016. During that strike, SAG-AFTRA targeted 11 companies, including industry giants like Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, Take Two, Insomniac Games, Warner Bros., and Disney.
Audrey Cooling, spokesperson for the video game producers involved in the Interactive Media Agreement, stated that these companies are committed to achieving a fair contract. “We are negotiating in good faith and hope to reach a mutually beneficial deal as soon as possible,” Cooling affirmed.
The Decision-Making Process
The union has announced that postcards containing voting information will be mailed to eligible members, with the voting period closing on September 25th at 5 p.m. SAG-AFTRA is adamant about securing a member-approved strike authorization before negotiations resume on September 26th.
This move by SAG-AFTRA to potentially strike against video game companies is part of a larger wave of labor unrest in the entertainment industry. Hollywood actors and screenwriters have already initiated strikes, citing concerns related to pay, working conditions, and the increasing use of AI in content creation.
The issues raised against video game companies parallel those behind the SAG-AFTRA strike in the film and TV sector, which has been ongoing for over 50 days and has disrupted global film and television productions. Screenwriters joined the cause in May, adding their voices to the protest against inadequate compensation, poor working conditions, and the industry’s reliance on AI.
In 2016, SAG-AFTRA embarked on a strike against video game companies that lasted 11 months. With tensions rising once again, the question remains: will gaming soon join the ranks of Hollywood celebrities in the ongoing actors’ strike? Only time will tell as the industry grapples with the ever-evolving challenges posed by technology.
As the entertainment industry confronts the transformative power of artificial intelligence, labor disputes are becoming increasingly common. SAG-AFTRA’s call for a strike authorization vote against video game companies underscores the industry’s struggle to adapt to the changing landscape. The union’s demands for better wages and protections against AI reflect the concerns of actors and writers in Hollywood. With negotiations looming, the gaming world may soon witness its own labor strike, joining the ranks of ongoing Hollywood protests. As the entertainment industry navigates these challenges, one thing is clear: the battle between human creativity and technology is far from over.
