SAG-AFTRA Game Strike List: A Comprehensive Guide to the Current Labor Dispute

Introduction

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is currently engaged in a strike against the major video game publishers, including Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts (EA), Take-Two Interactive, Ubisoft, and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The strike began on October 21, 2021, and has since escalated, with no resolution in sight. This comprehensive guide will provide an overview of the strike, its impact on the gaming industry, and the key issues at stake.

Background

SAG-AFTRA is the largest union representing actors, broadcasters, and other media professionals in the United States. In May 2021, the union began negotiations with the video game publishers over a new contract covering the working conditions and compensation of voice actors. The previous contract expired on June 30, 2021, and the parties have been unable to reach an agreement since then.

Key Issues

The strike is centered around several key issues, including:

• Compensation: SAG-AFTRA is demanding a significant increase in pay for voice actors, arguing that they are currently underpaid compared to their counterparts in other entertainment industries.
• Residuals: The union is also seeking improved residuals for voice actors, which are payments made each time a game is sold or streamed.
• Working conditions: SAG-AFTRA is calling for improved working conditions for voice actors, including more breaks and healthier recording environments.
• Creative control: The union wants voice actors to have more input into the creative process, including the development of their characters and the direction of the games.

Impact on the Gaming Industry

The strike has had a significant impact on the gaming industry. Several highly anticipated games have been delayed or canceled due to the lack of voice actors. Additionally, many studios have been forced to scale back their projects or find alternative voice actors, leading to potential quality issues. The financial impact of the strike is also expected to be substantial, with analysts estimating that the industry could lose billions of dollars in revenue.

Negotiations

Negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the video game publishers have been ongoing since the strike began. However, the parties have made little progress towards a resolution. The union has accused the publishers of being unwilling to negotiate in good faith, while the publishers have blamed the union for being too uncompromising in its demands.

Support for the Strike

SAG-AFTRA has received widespread support from other labor unions, as well as from celebrities and fans. However, the publishers have also garnered some support, with some arguing that the union's demands are unrealistic and could harm the gaming industry.

What's Next?

The strike is ongoing, and it is unclear when or how it will be resolved. Both sides have expressed a willingness to continue negotiating, but there is no guarantee that a deal will be reached soon. The outcome of the strike will have a major impact on the future of the gaming industry and the working conditions of voice actors.

Table 1: Key Issues in the SAG-AFTRA Game Strike

Table 2: Impact of the SAG-AFTRA Game Strike

Table 3: Support for the SAG-AFTRA Game Strike

Stories and What We Learn

Story 1: The Voice of the People

SAG-AFTRA member Eliza Jane Scott has been a voice actress for over 20 years. She has worked on countless games, including some of the biggest franchises in the industry. Scott says that she is striking because she wants to ensure that voice actors are fairly compensated and treated with respect. "We deserve to be paid a living wage for the work that we do," she says. "We bring these characters to life, and our work has a major impact on the gaming industry."

What We Learn: Voice actors are passionate about their work and believe that they deserve to be fairly compensated for their contributions.

Story 2: A Double Pay Cut

SAG-AFTRA member David Hayter is best known for providing the voice of Solid Snake in the Metal Gear Solid series. Hayter says that he has seen his pay decline in recent years, even as the gaming industry has grown exponentially. "I used to get paid $10,000 per line for my work on Metal Gear Solid," he says. "Now, I'm getting paid $2,000 per line. That's a 80% pay cut."

What We Learn: Voice actors have seen their pay decline in recent years, despite the increasing popularity of video games.

Story 3: Creative Clashes

SAG-AFTRA member Jennifer Hale is a veteran voice actress who has worked on over 200 games. Hale says that she has often had creative disagreements with game developers. "Sometimes, the developers have a very clear vision for what they want the character to sound like," she says. "But as a voice actor, I bring my own interpretation to the role. It can be frustrating when the developers don't want to listen to my ideas."

What We Learn: Voice actors want to have more input into the creative process, but developers are often reluctant to give them that control.

Tips and Tricks

• Follow the negotiations: Stay informed about the latest developments in the negotiations by following SAG-AFTRA and the video game publishers on social media and news websites.
• Support the strike: Let your voice be heard by contacting SAG-AFTRA and the video game publishers to express your support for the strike. You can also sign petitions and donate money to the union's strike fund.
• Buycott the publishers: One of the most effective ways to support the strike is to boycott the games published by the companies that are refusing to negotiate in good faith.
• Contact your representatives: Let your elected officials know that you support SAG-AFTRA and its demands for fair compensation and working conditions for voice actors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't harass or threaten the publishers: Harassing or threatening the publishers will only hurt the cause of the strike. Instead, focus on using positive and persuasive methods to get your message across.
• Don't spread misinformation: It is important to be accurate in your communications about the strike. Avoid spreading rumors or misinformation, which could damage the union's credibility.
• Don't give up: The strike is a long and difficult process, but it is important to stay focused and determined. Don't give up on the voice actors who are fighting for fair compensation and working conditions.

How to Step-by-Step Approach

1. Learn about the issues: Educate yourself about the key issues in the strike and the positions of both SAG-AFTRA and the video game publishers.
2. Decide how to support the strike: Determine which form of support is most appropriate for you, such as following negotiations, contacting SAG-AFTRA or the publishers, boycotting the publishers, or contacting your representatives.
3. Take action: Take action to support the strike in the way that you have chosen.
4. Stay informed: Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the negotiations and continue to support the strike until it is resolved.

Conclusion

The SAG-AFTRA game strike is a complex and contentious issue with far-reaching implications for the gaming industry and the working conditions of voice actors. By understanding the key issues, the impact of the strike, and the different ways to support the voice actors, you can make an informed decision about how to get involved. Remember that the outcome of this strike will have a major impact on the future of the gaming industry and the rights of voice actors. It is important to stay informed, support the voice actors, and be part of the solution.