SAG-AFTRA reports that it remains "frustratingly far apart" from leading video game companies

The SAG-AFTRA union, which represents 160,000 individuals within the entertainment industry including actors and voice artists, has provided an update on its ongoing video game strike. The union expressed that significant differences still exist with game developers and publishers.

In their recent statement, SAG-AFTRA highlighted "alarming loopholes" in proposals put forward by a negotiating group that includes major companies like Activision, Disney Character Voices, and Electronic Arts among others.

"Despite claims from the negotiating group that we are nearing an agreement, this is incorrect," the union stated. "Additionally, it appears there is an attempt to cause division among members. We encourage reviewing our detailed updated comparison chart of AI proposals to understand the significant differences in our positions regarding AI safeguards for all performers."

The union raised concerns about the potential misuse of past performances without proper authorization, compensation, or notification, including the use of digital replicas during future strikes without consent.

However, SAG-AFTRA reported successful negotiations with other companies, with over 160 upcoming games agreeing to interim deals that uphold the protections the union seeks.

These agreements highlight that necessary protections are feasible for many game developers, in contrast to the stance of the bargaining companies. The union advises actors to verify the status of a game project at sagaftra.org/videogamestrike before proceeding, ensuring they only work on projects with the required AI protections, labeled as 'Let’s Play'.

The union chose to initiate the strike at the end of July following unsuccessful negotiations over AI rights and protection issues within the gaming industry.

It was recently reported that voice actors from Zenless Zone Zero were reportedly recast due to their participation in the SAG-AFTRA strikes.