Writers Strike to Effect Video Games

[WWolfe]

https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/sag-aftra-video-game-industry-strike-rockstar-insomniac-games/

SAG-AFTRA, the guild that hundreds of thousands of actors belong to (including major movie and TV stars), is preparing for a potential video game industry strike. Earlier this year, the Writers Guild of America went on strike after being unable to negotiate terms for better pay and conditions with studios. The writers have been on strike since the start of May and as of right now, it looks totally unclear as to when the strike may be resolved. In July, SAG-AFTRA authorized a strike against major Hollywood studios, putting a stop to massive film and TV productions such as Deadpool 3. However, some exceptions have been granted for studios that aren't being struck.

With that said, it looks like the video game industry could be next. SAG-AFTRA's Board has voted unanimously to send out strike authorizations from its members for the video game industry. This means members would vote on whether they would want to strike or not should negotiations with the video game industry fall through. Notable companies that would be struck include: Insomniac Games, Warner Bros., Disney, Activision, EA, Epic Games, and Take-Two Interactive (Rockstar Games' parent company). SAG-AFTRA is seeking better wages, protections against AI, and better working conditions such as vocal stress protections for those in the gaming industry. Negotiations with the aforementioned companies will start on September 26th, so the chance of a gaming industry strike will start to become more of a possibility by the end of the month.