SAG-AFTRA has organized a visible picket at WB Games Inc. on March 5th, inviting not only union members but also labor allies and passionate video game fans to stand in solidarity. The landscape of video game production has been dramatically altered as SAG-AFTRA members, the voices and faces behind beloved characters, continue their strike against major video game companies.
Initiated on July 26, 2024, at 12:01 a.m., the strike centers on a critical issue: the demand for fair compensation and robust protections against the unregulated use of artificial intelligence. With video game companies largely resistant to addressing these concerns, the union has taken decisive action to safeguard its members’ livelihoods and creative contributions.
SAG-AFTRA has organized a picket at WB Games Inc. on March 5th
To amplify their message, SAG-AFTRA has organized a visible picket at WB Games Inc. on March 5th, inviting not only union members but also labor allies and passionate video game fans to stand in solidarity. This demonstration underscores the union’s commitment to public awareness and support in their ongoing struggle.
Picket Information:
- WHAT: SAG-AFTRA Video Game Strike picket
- WHO: SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media Agreement (IMA) Negotiating Committee members, SAG-AFTRA members, labor allies, and video game fans
- WHERE: WB Games Inc., Gate 5 at the Corner of Warner Blvd. and South Avon Street, Burbank, CA 91522, with parking on Riverside Drive
- WHEN: Wednesday, March 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT
Despite the strike impacting the Interactive Media Agreement, SAG-AFTRA has achieved notable progress. On September 5, 2024, the union announced that 80 video games had agreed to their AI terms, signing tiered-budget or interim agreements. Further bolstering their position, on November 14, 2024, the Independent Interactive Localization Agreement was introduced, extending AI protections and expanding performer options. These agreements provide avenues for members to continue working under fair contracts, with exceptions made for games adhering to these new terms. Notably, Lightspeed L.A. has also aligned with the Interim Interactive Media Agreement, signaling a growing acceptance of the union’s demands.
SAG-AFTRA Strikes On: AI Protections and Unity Define Video Game Labor Dispute
However, the strike has also revealed contentious disputes, particularly with Formosa Interactive LLC. On September 24, 2024, SAG-AFTRA called a strike against “League of Legends,” alleging unfair labor practices by Formosa, including attempts to circumvent the strike through the creation of a shell company and the hiring of non-union talent. This prompted the union to file an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
The SAG-AFTRA strike has garnered significant support from fellow labor unions. The American Federation of Musicians, Directors Guild of America, and other prominent unions have issued a joint statement, reinforcing the collective fight for AI protections and fair labor practices. This united front demonstrates the broader implications of the strike, which extends beyond the video game industry to address the evolving challenges posed by technology in the workplace.
The roots of the strike trace back to failed negotiations that began in October 2022. SAG-AFTRA members authorized the strike after it became evident that video game companies were unwilling to provide adequate AI protections. The union’s leadership has consistently emphasized the importance of securing a sustainable future for its members, stressing the necessity of fair AI protections and celebrating the companies that have demonstrated a willingness to support fair labor practices. As the strike continues, it serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle to protect creative workers in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world.
