Voice actors and motion capture performers in Hollywood’s video game industry have given their authorization for a potential strike should ongoing labor contract negotiations fail to meet their demands. This development has the potential to disrupt Hollywood and the gaming industry.
Tentative Labor Strikes in Hollywood for Video Game Actors and Motion Capture Artists: As of September 26, 2023, both the video game industry and the auto industry are facing potential labor strikes. In the video game sector, voice actors are demanding fair pay and improved working conditions. The demand for voice actors is projected to grow by 8% from 2018 to 2028.
“This is at an inflection point for our industry. In particular with AI, because right now there aren’t any protections,” said Ashly Burch, a voice actor known for her role in ‘Horizon Zero Dawn,’ in an interview with Reuters.
However, these performers have expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and fairness in their compensation. For instance, Side Global, a company providing voice overs for video games, has faced criticism for its tiered payment system, which some actors have described as “insulting” and “discriminatory.” Despite the significant growth in the gaming industry, many voice actors feel they are being underpaid.
Continued Negotiations and Strike Authorization: “We will continue to negotiate in good faith to reach an agreement that reflects the important contributions of SAG-AFTRA-represented performers in video games,” stated Audrey Cooling on behalf of the video game companies following the strike authorization vote results. “We have reached tentative agreements on over half of the proposals and are optimistic we can find a resolution at the bargaining table.”
Why the Strike? These potential strikes in Hollywood and the auto industry underscore the ongoing struggle for fair wages and improved working conditions across various sectors. As negotiations persist, the outcomes could have substantial implications for both industries and their workforce.