SAG-AFTRA Reinitiates Talks with Video Game Companies

Update: According to a statement provided to GamesIndustry.biz, SAG-AFTRA has stated: "The strike is ongoing, and we will be holding a picket at Warner Bros. Games Inc. on Wednesday, October 16, in Burbank." The original story is as follows. After a three-month period of strikes and industrial disputes, the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has agreed to reopen negotiations with video game companies. In an official statement, the organization announced that it will be meeting with the convenience bargaining group the following week. This group comprises representatives from major gaming companies, including Activision, Blindlight, Disney Character Voices, EA, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Games, Llama Productions, Take 2, and WB Games. At present, neither party has provided further comment, but it has been confirmed that negotiations will resume on October 23, 2024. The decision to strike was made by SAG-AFTRA in late July, following the failure to reach a mutually acceptable agreement with the convenience bargaining group regarding concerns over rights and protections in the face of the industry's increasing use of AI technologies. Throughout the strike, SAG-AFTRA has successfully secured agreements with the developers of 80 upcoming games, focusing on improved working conditions for actors, including safeguards against the potential misuse of AI.