Performers in the Games Industry Voice Concerns Over Explicit Content

Warning: This article references sexual violence and assault. Games industry actors have expressed concerns about being asked to perform explicit sexual content without prior warning. According to a BBC News report, the lack of transparency around projects means that scripts are often not shared until the day of recording. Jessica Jefferies, a professional casting director and motion capture performer, stated that studios typically only provide minimal information, such as an email or phone call, without disclosing the nature of the content. She recalled an instance where she was asked to participate in a graphic rape scene without being informed beforehand. Jefferies refused to participate and was the only female on set, resulting in the scene not being filmed. She emphasized the importance of performers being informed about the content in advance to avoid feeling pressured into participating in something they are not comfortable with. Another voice actor and Equity member shared a similar experience, where she was asked to record a sex scene without prior knowledge. She described the experience as 'excruciating' and felt that she was not adequately supported by the team. In response to these concerns, Equity has developed guidelines for recording explicit or intimate scenes, which include providing cast members with advance scripts, allowing performers to request a closed set, and engaging a competent intimacy coordinator. The union has also released guidance on minimum pay and working conditions, following its recent support for the SAG-AFTRA strike. Jefferies noted that these guidelines aim to bring the games industry in line with best practices in the film and TV industry. An example of this in practice is Larian's decision to hire intimacy coordinators for actors performing intimate scenes in Baldur's Gate 3.