In a significant move, SAG-AFTRA has launched a strike against major video game companies, including Electronic Arts, the owner of Respawn Entertainment, the creators of Jedi: Fallen Order and Jedi: Survivor. This strike follows nearly two years of stalled negotiations over the Interactive Media Agreement.
The decision to strike comes 10 months after the union’s initial strike authorization vote. The 10 companies affected by the strike are Activision Productions Inc., Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Epic Games, Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Take 2 Productions Inc., VoiceWorks Productions Inc., and WB Games Inc.
“We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse A.I. to the detriment of our members. Enough is enough. When these companies get serious about offering an agreement our members can live — and work — with, we will be here, ready to negotiate,” said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher.
Despite the strike order, SAG-AFTRA members were allowed to participate in Comic-Con, which ran through Sunday. In a press briefing, Sarah Elmaleh, the union’s interactive committee chair and an actor in games like Hi-Fi Rush, addressed the timing of the strike and explained that the flexibility was necessary as the strike came about quickly, and members would need time to fully understand the scope of the strike order and its rules. She emphasized that being present at Comic-Con was crucial for visibility and communication about the union’s needs.
The Interactive Media Agreement had been extended beyond its original expiration date nearly two years ago to allow more time for negotiations. Despite ongoing bargaining, the union reported that the parties remained far apart on key issues, particularly artificial intelligence provisions.
A spokesperson for the video game companies expressed disappointment over the strike, stating, “We are disappointed the union has chosen to walk away when we are so close to a deal, and we remain prepared to resume negotiations. We have already found common ground on 24 out of 25 proposals, including historic wage increases and additional safety provisions. Our offer is directly responsive to SAG-AFTRA’s concerns and extends meaningful AI protections that include requiring consent and fair compensation to all performers working under the IMA. These terms are among the strongest in the entertainment industry.”
During the strike, actors are prohibited from recording their performances for game development, potentially impacting the production of the third game in the Star Wars Jedi series, starring Cameron Monaghan.
Union actors working on video games for these companies are now required to cease their work, which could significantly disrupt game development or force companies to find workarounds. However, work may continue if a company agrees to one of SAG-AFTRA’s proposed agreements, including the Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement, the Interim Interactive Media Agreement, or the Interim Interactive Localisation Agreement.
About Author
Leave a Reply