Video game voice actors are reported to have called an "interactive strike" with game developers after unsuccessfully reaching an agreement in the fair treatment for video game voice talents.
The Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) National Board of Directors has already voted unanimously on an interactive strike date against major video game developers. If the negotiations will be unsuccessful, they will go on strike Oct.21 at 12:01 AM.
SAG-AFTRA will be targeting the strike towards video game giants such as Activision Publishing, Warner Bros. Games, Blindlight, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Games, EA, Voiceworks Productions, Interactive Associates, and Take 2 Interactive Software.
SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris mentioned in a released statement, "Through many months of bargaining with interactive employers, we have not reached a fair agreement covering SAG-AFTRA performers working in video games - often the most popular games in the world. Our members have been clear, now is the time for employers to negotiate a modern contract that covers this highly profitable industry. A strike is not to be entered into lightly, but when the employers leave us with no recourse, we must stand firm for our members. It is imperative that we secure for them the protections, compensation and benefits they deserve."
The guild of video game actors wants to improve the working conditions through implementing contractual changes which relate to, among other things, "vocally stressful sessions" as well as sales-contingent compensation. To this, SAG-AFTRA is asking that all of the covered services will be withheld which includes performance capture, voice acting, background work, and also principal on camera work.
After the strike date was set, Scott J. Witlin, a law firm member representing the video game companies released this statement: "We have negotiated in good faith for the past 18 months with SAG-AFTRA union leaders, and are making progress toward a new contract. We are deeply disappointed to learn today of the Union's threatened strike and its unilateral violation of the mutually agreed upon 'news black-out' on negotiation discussions."
"The Video Game Companies had already scheduled bargaining sessions this week with SAG-AFTRA union leaders to attempt to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. We expect these negotiations to remain in place, and will continue to attempt to reach a fair and equitable contract despite the Union leadership's most recent threatened labor action."
Read the full statement from the video game companies here.
