Tom Misch
If you played the video game’s actors regarding artificial intelligence is growing in popularity. According to the news, the event may not be as damaging to forthcoming games as previously expected. Even though the SAG-AFTRA union has decided to announce a strike, many projects seem unaffected.
Statements from SAG-AFTRA and the companies affected by the strike suggest that any games in production a year ago, including live service games, will not be influenced, for now. This includes many major blockbuster titles that have been in development for quite a while.
The concerns initially focused on the impact on Take-Two, which is the publisher of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6). However, it seems likely that GTA 6 has been in the works long enough to avoid immediate effects from the strike.
The exceptions to the strike also apply to upcoming games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Major game companies such as EA, Activision, Ubisoft, and Take-Two have been approached for additional comments.
The Interactive Media Agreement (IMA) contract stipulates that games being developed before the termination notice sent by the union in September 2022 are not under the strike order. In terms of live-service games, there is a 60-day grace period before they are impacted by the strike, allowing work to continue.
The ongoing projects may not be immediately affected by the strike, but it is crucial to consider potential disruptions for live-service games in the future. There’s a chance the strike might expand to include those games closer to the end of the 60-day grace period, as mentioned by SAG-AFTRA.
The impacted companies have confirmed that games already in production before August 25, 2023, including live service games, will not be subject to the strike and will operate based on the 2020-2022 IMA terms.
Equity, the UK actors» union, has shown support for SAG-AFTRA but has decided not to initiate a strike at this moment.
Key Information:
1. What concerns have video game actors raised about AI?
– Transparency and safety problems related to AI in video games.
2. How long is the strike action approved for?
– The strike was sanctioned by SAG-AFTRA union members.
3. Which major game companies are in danger due to the strike?
– Potential game companies affected by the strike involve EA, Activision, Ubisoft, and Take-Two.
