A potential strike looms in the video game industry as members of the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) push for updates to their Interactive Media Agreement. Earlier this week, members of the guild voted to authorize a strike; although this does not mean a strike is currently in progress, it does give the negotiators the power to call one if discussions suffer from stagnation.

The bargaining impasse between SAG-AFTRA and major gaming companies such as Activision, EA, Epic, Take-Two, WB Games, and more, has arisen due to key disagreements on certain issues, according to Guild representatives Sarah Elmaleh and Zeke Alton. The union is fighting for pay increases to counter inflation, actions to protect against the rise of AI, mandatory breaks for on-camera performers, and the presence of set medics especially for hazardous stunts.


Furthermore, Elmaleh and Alton highlight the importance of this fight, not just for the members of SAG-AFTRA but for other sectors that could potentially be impacted by the rise of AI technology. They are urging the gaming community and other interested individuals to educate themselves on the role of unions, as well as the ongoing negotiations, and to demonstrate solidarity with the actors who are a part of the video game community.


This potential strike comes amidst an increased awareness around unions and labor issues in the entertainment industry, where several major studios have seen union elections.


This is not SAG-AFTRA's first strike over video game contracts. The guild previously went on strike for 11 months in 2016 over issues including residuals, vocal stress, and contract transparency. According to Elmaleh, significant victories were won during that strike, and the experience has better prepared them to not compromise on the terms they believe they rightfully deserve.