US video game performers announce strike over ongoing AI concerns

Video game performers within United States actors union SAG-AFTRA have voted to go on strike starting Friday, 26th July, after “more than than a year and a half of negotiations” with major game companies over the use of AI have failed to reach a deal.

SAG-AFTRA members initially voted in favour of (but did not immediately take) strike action last September, after the union failed to reach a consensus with video game producers – including Activision, Warner Bros, EA, Take-Two, and Disney – while attempting to negotiate a successor to the Interactive Media Agreement, which covers members’ work on games.

Many video game performers, including Solid Snake actor David Hayter and Commander Shepard actor Jennifer Hale, have voiced their concerns about AI and its impact on their work in recent times.