As of 12:01 AM, today on July 26, SAG-AFTRA members who work on video games are on strike once again. SAG-AFTRA said that the main reason for the strike is that no agreement has come between actors and video game companies over regulating generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) With that, multiple video games currently in production will be affected. Some will not be affected and will be exempt from the labor action. The most notable of these titles being the most, highly anticipated, upcoming game at this moment in time, Grand Theft Auto VI.
Kotaku reports that a spokesperson from the publishers involved in the dispute which includes Rockstar Games parent company Take-Two said “I can confirm GTA VI is exempt,” in an email.
Other companies facing the strike include Activision, Disney, Insomniac, EA, Epic Games, and WB Games.
A message on the SAG-AFTRA website explains more about GTA VI’s exemption. “While not struck, this game is produced by a struck company. If you have been engaged under a daily contract for this game, you can show solidarity with your fellow union members by choosing not to sign new contracts on the game. However, you may work the game and will not be disciplined for doing so.”
According to the spokesperson, Audrey Cooling, any game already in development before August 25, 2023 is also exempt. This includes live service games which are covered by the previous contractual agreement between SAG-AFTRA and gaming companies.
Actors may choose to not work on the game in solidarity with fellow members and cannot be penalized by employers.