The film and television industry was shaken last year after actors and writers suspended their work to protest against major Hollywood companies, and unfortunately, something similar is about to happen in the video game industry.
Months ago, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) took the fight against artificial intelligence to the video game industry demanding better conditions for its members.
The vast majority of SAG-AFTRA voted in favor of a strike in the industry against several companies that did not comply with what the union requested, meaning that a strike could be triggered at any moment. And the bad news is that, while the conversations between both parties havent stopped, they havent managed to reach an agreement either.
Will there be a strike in the video game industry? Which companies will it affect?
This was revealed by the executive director and lead negotiator of SAG-AFTRA, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, who, during SXSW, told Fast Company (via Variety) that if things continue this way, the strike will come into effect.
According to the negotiator, the talks have reached a standstill, and the situation doesnt look very promising, as he anticipated a "50-50, or more likely" chance of a strike within the next 4 to 6 weeks.
"We dont want to strike," said Crabtree-Ireland. "But were not going to reach an agreement with these companies that dont protect our members from abusive and exploitative uses of AI [artificial intelligence]."
Crabtree-Ireland acknowledged that SAG-AFTRA members have different perspectives on artificial intelligence, but emphasized that as a union, their intention has never been to ban technology, but rather, if used, it should be focused on benefiting workers, be productive for the company, and not jeopardize workers jobs.
"We wouldnt have achieved it, as no union in history has been able to stop technology. Unions that attempt that approach fail and miss the opportunity to influence how these technologies are implemented. Its a fact that we are going to have AI," commented the leader.
Remember that, in the event of a strike, the affected companies would be Activision, Blindlight, Disney Character Voices International, EA, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Games, Take 2 Productions, VoiceWorks Productions, and Warner Bros. Games, which are the ones that have a partnership with SAG-AFTRA.
