Video Game Strikes Not Expected to Immediately Impact Upcoming Titles

by Tom Misch
in $$$, Action, PC, Release
on 26 July 2024

According to recent reports, the strike action announced by video game actors over AI concerns may not have an immediate impact on upcoming titles as previously anticipated. While the SAG-AFTRA union has voted in favor of striking, a significant number of projects seem to be unaffected.

Statements obtained from SAG-AFTRA and the companies to be impacted by the strike indicate that any video game in development as of a year ago, including live service games, will remain unaffected, at least for the time being. This will encompass a majority of major blockbuster titles that have been in development for several years.

Concerns were initially raised regarding the impact on Take-Two, the publisher of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA6). However, it can be reasonably assumed that GTA6 has been in development long enough to avoid any immediate effects from the strike.

The exemptions from the strike also extend to upcoming titles such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Major game companies, including EA, Activision, Ubisoft, and Take-Two, have been contacted for further comments.

The Interactive Media Agreement (IMA) contract includes provisions stipulating that games in production prior to the union’s notice of termination, which was sent in September 2022, are not subject to the strike order. As for live-service games, there is a 60-day grace period before the strike would impact them, giving a window for work to continue.

While the strike may not immediately affect ongoing projects, it is important to note that live-service games could face future disruptions. SAG-AFTRA has mentioned the possibility of expanding the strike order to include those games if necessary, closer to the end of the 60-day grace period.

The companies potentially affected by the strike have affirmed that games already in production prior to August 25, 2023, including live service games, will not be subject to the strike and will continue to operate under the terms of the 2020-2022 IMA.

UK actors’ union Equity expressed solidarity with SAG-AFTRA but stated that it will not authorize its own strike at this time.

Facts not mentioned in the article but relevant to the topic:

– SAG-AFTRA is the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, a labor union representing actors, announcers, journalists, and other media professionals.
– The strike action by video game actors is focused on concerns related to AI, including transparency and safety issues.
– The strike was approved by a vote of SAG-AFTRA union members.
– The strike order was sent in September 2022, and there is a 60-day grace period before the strike would impact live-service games.
– The strike potentially affects major game companies such as EA, Activision, Ubisoft, and Take-Two.
– SAG-AFTRA has mentioned the possibility of expanding the strike order to include live-service games if necessary, closer to the end of the 60-day grace period.
– UK actors’ union Equity has expressed solidarity with SAG-AFTRA but has not authorized its own strike at this time.

Most important questions and answers:

1. What are the concerns raised by video game actors regarding AI?
– Concerns include transparency and safety issues related to AI in video games.

2. How long has the strike action been approved for?
– The strike action was approved by a vote of SAG-AFTRA union members.

3. Which major game companies are potentially affected by the strike?
– Major game companies potentially affected by the strike include EA, Activision, Ubisoft, and Take-Two.

Key challenges or controversies associated with the topic:

1. Balancing the interests of video game actors and game companies in terms of compensation and working conditions.
2. Ensuring transparency and safety in the implementation of AI in video games.
3. Potential disruptions to ongoing and future projects due to the strike action.

Advantages:

1. Raises awareness about labor issues and fair treatment of video game actors.
2. Encourages discussion and potential improvements in the use of AI in video games.

Disadvantages:

1. Potential delays or disruptions in the release of upcoming video game titles.
2. Economic impact on game companies and potential job losses in the industry.