As we reported earlier this week, voice actors union SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) was seeking better working conditions for voice actors in video games, and warning that they would go on strike if said conditions were not met this week. Alas, they weren't met, and a strike against some of the biggest video game producers has been called, and will commence at 12:01 a.m. PT today.
SAG-AFTRA Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez provided a statement on the organization's website:
“SAG-AFTRA has gone to the negotiations table with serious concerns affecting voiceover and stunt performers. It’s time for video game employers to take our concerns seriously and negotiate a modern contract based on actor safety, industry precedent and best practices.”
The union is specifically aiming for fairer compensation, less stressful vocal or performance sessions, greater transparency in projects and auditions, the presence of stunt coordinators during motion capture sessions, and more.
The following video game employers have been targeted by the strike:
- Activision Publishing, Inc.
- Blindlight, LLC
- Corps of Discovery Films
- Disney Character Voices, Inc.
- Electronic Arts Productions, Inc.
- Formosa Interactive, LLC
- Insomniac Games, Inc.
- Interactive Associates, Inc.
- Take 2 Interactive Software
- VoiceWorks Productions, Inc.
- WB Games, Inc.
Here's a list of all the video games the union is striking against specifically.
SAG-AFTRA members will picket Electronic Arts in Playa Vista, CA at 10:30 a.m. PT, Monday, Oct. 24th.