Game Actors Strike: What It Means for Your Favorite Titles

The SAG-AFTRA video game actors are officially on strike, which has significant implications for the gaming industry. This strike, primarily centered on AI protections, stems from ongoing negotiations since October 2022. Unlike last year's resolved Hollywood actors strike, video game companies have yet to meet the guild's demands regarding AI usage and performance protections. The strike impacts a wide range of video games, particularly those from major companies like Activision, EA, and WB Games. However, some studios have interim agreements allowing work to continue. For gamers, the immediate effects are minimal, but prolonged strikes could delay future game releases. Despite the strike, SAG-AFTRA encourages gamers to continue playing and supporting their favorite games while spreading the union's message online.

The strike affects numerous video games, especially those from major publishers like Activision, EA, and WB Games. SAG-AFTRA's website offers a tool to check the strike status of specific games, including those that have interim agreements allowing work to continue.

Extra Background: The strike comes at a crucial time for the gaming industry, which is increasingly integrating AI into various facets. Voice actors are concerned that AI could replace human performances, leading to a loss of uniqueness and creativity in games. The use of AI in gaming isn't new; it's been experimented with for NPCs, procedural content generation, and more, but its encroachment into the domain of voice and character performances is unprecedented. This strike highlights the broader industry struggle between technological advancement and job security for human performers.