Update on the SAG-AFTRA games strike: Equity Advises
Equity, the performing arts and entertainment trade union, recently met with representatives from SAG-AFTRA for an update on the status of the SAG-AFTRA video gaming strike. Equity has shared the results of that meeting, which includes updates on the strike and information about how Equity can support the members of SAG-AFTRA as the strike continues.
Background
As many voiceover artists are aware, in July 2023, after 18 months of unsuccessful negotiations, SAG-AFTRA formally engaged in a strike against video game companies. SAG-AFTRA union members had sought the agreement of major gaming companies to a new Interactive Gaming Agreement, but was unable to secure enough support for the protections included in that agreement. A key component of those protections was the ways which gaming companies would protect human talent from the use and abuse of derivative and generative AI. Specifically, the Interactive Gaming Agreement sought to ensure transparency, controls, and compensation for AI-produced content in video games, and when negotiations around those terms failed, the strike against video game production began.
Current Status
As a result of the meeting between Equity and SAG-AFTRA, it's clear that there is no immediate end in sight to the strike. While there are some interim agreements in place such as the Independent Interactive Localization Agreement that went into effect in November of 2024, the key sticking point remains both terms of use of AI in games and the fair and transparent compensation for human talent.
One major concern that was raised in the meeting between Equity and SAG-AFTRA was the movement of work from the States to the UK. While SAG-AFTRA members turn away work to honor the terms of the strike, video game companies may seek non-SAG-AFTRA members in the UK to fill those roles. ClaratyVoices firmly supports human creators and actors and urges our clients to work with trade unions like Equity and to discuss with us or their other representatives how to proceed if an opportunity presents that clearly seeks to circumvent the SAG-AFTRA strike.
For those unsure whether a project is impacted by the strike, SAG-AFTRA has a convenient "strike checker" function on their website which provides the status of games.
What UK Voiceover Artists Can Do
First, whether you're currently protected by a trade union or not, working on a struck production undermines the efforts of the strike. Having your name and voice attached to such a project can damage your reputation as an artist and could impact your ability to join unions such as SAG-AFTRA in the future.
Seek out expert counsel before you accept the terms of any project. Whether that means joining a trade union like Equity or seeking representation from an agency like ClaratyVoices, ensuring you have experts by your side to evaluate the terms and conditions of any job can protect you in both the short-term and over the course of your career.
If you do decide to take on work without the protections provided by a union or agency, do your research. Understand the terms and conditions that a trade union like Equity recommends and ensure any contract you sign includes those terms as a minimum requirement to take that job.
See Equity's recommended minimum rates and best practice guidelines.
Don't know what Equity is? They represent actors, choreographers, comedians, dancers, drag artists, theatre directors, models, singers, stage management, storytellers, stunt performers and coordinators, theatre and fight directors, set, costume and lighting designers, TV and radio presenters, variety, circus, cabaret and light entertainment artists, voice artists and supporting artists. Equity is 50,000 members strong and provides members with insurance, legal advice, representation, guidance, support and counseling.
If you're seeking representation by an agency like ClaratyVoices, we urge you to do your research. While unions like Equity provide member benefits that support the collective good, a voiceover agency will assess you as a talent and will work for you by connecting you to projects for which you might be a good fit and managing not only casting and auditions but contract negotiations, rights, compensation, and other time-consuming career development tasks.
Support for Human Creators
At ClaratyVoices, we are passionately in support of human creators, and continue to support the SAG-AFTRA video game strike. If you're navigating opportunities in gaming and need guidance or support, we urge you to think beyond the next paycheck and consider the working conditions you and your fellow artists will face three months, three years, and even three decades from now. Artificial Intelligence is here to stay, but together, we can fight for ethical, transparent, and fair treatment of human talent across creative industries.
If you'd like to know more, Equity's complete summary of the update is outlined on this page:
https://www.equity.org.uk/advice-and-support/sector-specific-advice/video-games/update-on-the-sag-aftra-games-strike
And you're welcome to reach out to ClaratyVoices if you're presented with an opportunity and need representation and guidance so you don't undermine the industry-wide issues the strike seeks to address.
