The gaming world is in turmoil: A strike by voice actors could cause highly anticipated games like “GTA VI” to be released later than expected. The union SAG-AFTRA has called on its members to lay down their tools to advocate for better working conditions and clear regulations regarding the use of AI technologies.
Last year, members of the U.S. actors’ union SAG-AFTRA went on strike for a total of 118 days before reaching an agreement with the film studios. Now, the same union is planning a work stoppage that could significantly impact the gaming industry.
Effective July 26, SAG-AFTRA (short for Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) has urged voice actors to stop working. More than 160,000 actors are affected, including those working for developer studios such as EA, Disney, Insomniac Games, WB Games, Activision, and Take 2 Interactive.
Does the strike also affect “GTA VI”?
Insiders fear that this protest could also delay the release of eagerly awaited titles like Rockstar Games’ “GTA VI.” The studio is part of the publisher Take 2 Interactive— and the voice recordings for the gangster epic are reportedly not yet complete. The release is currently scheduled for fall 2025.
The strike will also affect other studios and publishers, as games need voiceovers to be able to be released. Only a quick agreement with the opponents could still prevent these delays.
The reason for the strike, in addition to demands for better working conditions and wage increases, is a fair positioning for voice actors regarding the use of AI in the entertainment industry. SAG-AFTRA fears that the increasing use of AI technology in employing voices in games and films could threaten the jobs of voice actors. After all, AI tools are now capable of mimicking any phrases in a voice’s tone just from short samples. The concern of the voice actors: The technology could increasingly take over their roles.
(Source: teleschau)
