Sponsored message
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
Arts & Entertainment

Strike Against Video Game Industry Could Be Next For SAG-AFTRA

The left image is a headshot of actor Erik Passoja. The right image is of Passoja's digital likeness in a video game. He wears black and white body armor.
On the left: Erik Passoja's headshot; On the right: an image of Passoja's digital likeness in a video game
(
Headshot courtesy Erik Passoja
)

With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.

Topline:

The national board of the SAG-AFTRA union has voted to send a strike authorization vote to members in regards to the Interactive (Video Game) Media Agreement. The union is asking for protections around artificial intelligence, wage increases and informed consent for use of digital replicas, among other demands.

Aren't actors already on strike?  They are. This would expand the strike to work included under the Interactive (Video Game) Media Agreement, which is a separate contract. Today’s move doesn’t ensure a strike, but allows the union to have “a member-approved strike authorization in hand when bargaining resumes on Sept. 26.”

The companies: Game companies facing a possible strike include major developers like Activision, Electronic Arts and Epic Games.

Sponsored message

What’s next: Voting information will be mailed to eligible members on Sept 5. and voting will close at 5 p.m. on Sept. 25.

Go deeper: Striking Actor Says He Has Cautionary Tale About How Companies Might Use Performers’ Digital Replicas

At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.

But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.

We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.

Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Chip in now to fund your local journalism

A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right