Video game chaos: What character strike means for blockbusters like ‘Fortnite’ and ‘GTA’

A year after Hollywood actors went on strike against the television and motion picture industries, SAG-AFTRA is back on the drawing board.

The union has called a strike at major video game companies after negotiations over the video game developers’ concerns about artificial intelligence reached an impasse. Some 35,000 members of the union approved a strike last September (98% voted for possible action), but negotiations have continued until now.

Players are wary of the strike, no doubt mindful of the disruption we’ve had on traditional entertainment platforms recently. Here’s what you need to know.

Will the strike mean video game delays?

Ultimately, that will depend on how long the strike lasts, of course. The quick fix means gamers won’t see a visible timeline effect on titles. If the strike continues as long as the actors’ strike against Hollywood studios and streaming giants, it could cancel some AAA shows. Fortunately for players, however, most of those who will be affected may not have been announced yet, so they won’t see the titles being delayed.

What companies does SAG-AFTRA target?

The union is targeting 10 companies:

• Activision Productions Inc.
• Blindlight LLC
• Company Disney Character Voices Inc.
• Company Electronic Arts Productions Inc.
• Epic Games, Inc.
• Formosa Interactive LLC
• Insomniac Games Inc.
• Take 2 Productions Inc.
• Company VoiceWorks Productions Inc.
• Company WB Games Inc.

Where is the problem here?

Artificial intelligence is also a sticky area. The union and the publishers could not find common ground regarding the protection of players regarding AI in the language of the contracts. Given how well AI can mimic famous voices, some voice actors fear that the characters they helped create could continue without their input.

“We will not accept a contract that allows companies to misuse AI to the detriment of our members. Enough is enough,” SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher said in a statement. “When these companies are willing to offer a deal our members can live—and work—with, we’ll be here, ready to negotiate.”

A spokesperson for the game companies, in a statement, responded, “Our proposal directly addresses SAG-AFTRA’s concerns and extends reasonable AI protections including requiring consent and fair compensation to all players.”

Will actors in movies and television shows go back on strike now?

No. They are under a separate contract and will not go on strike, as will other SAG-AFTRA members who have contracts with their employers, such as NPR.

Wait, of course Grand Theft Auto VI will we be delayed further because of this strike?

Not immediately. Actors and other union members who already have contracts and work in development plays are allowed to continue working during the strike without any form of union guidance. Live service games, like Fortniteit is also okay to continue working.

However, if the strike lasts more than 60 days, SAG-AFTRA will require members who work in productions to join the picket line.

Are there workarounds to allow video game characters to continue working?

Yes. While Hollywood studios have negotiated as a single entity through the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, video game publishers have the option of reaching their own deals. In a letter to investors, Michael Pachter of Wedbush explained that “covering union members are allowed to work for any publisher or developer that commits to AI guarantees, higher wages, improved performance capture security, and acknowledges that performance capture is covered. This means that individual game studios can reach agreements with the union and can continue without a major deal in place.”

Will this strike affect all sports?

Not even close. While SAG-AFTRA members are often part of larger headlines, such as The GTA, The Last of Usor Spider Man, most games do not use the services of union members as part of their creative process. And mobile games and those created on Roblox probably never will. There will be plenty of new titles for people to enjoy, no matter how long this goes on.