It looks like the video game industry could be changing in a big way very soon. For anyone who has been following recent world news, the name SAG-AFTRA will be a familiar occurrence as of late, as there have been a significant amount of strikes taking place that involve the organization. They have been issuing a strike against Movie and TV studios, but now SAG-AFTRA has turned its aim towards the gaming industry, as it currently battles with a few different companies over negotiations.
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Why Have SAG-AFTRA Begun Striking Against the Video Game Industry?
Recently, there have been a significant number of strikes taking place in regard to SAG-AFTRA, and now they are currently in the process of working on a deal with various gaming companies. The goal is to work towards a wage increase and provide security for employees regarding Artificial Intelligence, which has begun to take the gaming industry by storm.
The reason behind this is that the Union has been battling with several gaming companies over the past few weeks and they have reached a “Stalemate.” This involves several gaming companies regarding a pay increase of 11% for video game performers. The actors involved are just moving towards a fair deal, but for now, no one can agree.
The other reason behind these strikes is that SAG-AFTRA is also working towards gaining protection for staff members against the use of AI. Many people are worried that as AI becomes more commonplace in the gaming industry, their jobs will be at risk, and their whole careers could end. This is on top of the fact that SAG-AFTRA is working towards gaining better workplace conditions for those who work in the gaming industry.
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What Companies Are Currently Being Affected By This Strike by SAG-AFTRA?
Currently, there are a select few companies at high risk of their staff going on strike, and a lot of them are major studios. Those companies are Epic Games, Insomniac Games, Take 2, Activision, WB Games, Activision, EA, and more. This has left many wondering as to whether or not a strike could happen, and what impact it might have on the future of gaming.
At the moment, there is a set date for when a vote will take place for those companies and their staff to decide whether or not they will go on strike. The date is September 25th at the latest, and from September 26th on, negotiations will begin again to see if SAG-AFTRA and the listed gaming companies above can come to a mutual agreement. It will have to be something that benefits both the companies and the staff in a significant way.
For now, the plans for strikes will have no immediate effect on any games currently in development by these gaming companies. But if the gaming companies do not come to an agreement with the Union, then there will most likely be a strike on the video game industry by the end of September. This could have a major affect on games which are still being developed by these companies, just like it has affected the Movie and TV industry.
What do you think about SAG-AFTRA and their hard-working efforts to help members of the video game industry receive better pay and job security? Let us know in the comments!
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