SAG AFTRA strikes affect major publishers; possible ramifications for GTA VI, Call of Duty, and more

As a long-time gamer with a deep appreciation for the artistry behind video games, I can’t help but feel a pang of concern as I read about the ongoing SAG AFTRA strikes and their potential impact on the gaming industry. The union’s decision to strike against companies that are using artificial intelligence (AI) to replace human voice actors has been a topic of heated debate in recent months, with some arguing that it’s a necessary step to protect the livelihoods of talented performers.

Artificial intelligence’s arrival has caused turmoil in numerous industries, including digital publishing. This impact goes beyond publishing, as voice actors and writers in creative fields see their talents being replaced by machine learning and training data. Recently, SAG-AFTRA, the American labor union for industry performers, declared a strike starting today, with companies like Activision, Take-Two, Insomniac, and Epic Games among those targeted.)

As a passionate gamer and follower of industry news, I’ve noticed that the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike has a more significant impact on the video game sector compared to the previous one. The gaming landscape has evolved in recent years with artificial intelligence (AI) becoming increasingly prominent. Companies like Embracer Free Mode are openly embracing AI, while Wizards of the Coast has recently admitted to using AI-generated assets. However, it’s essential to remember that larger corporations carry a more substantial burden during the strike.

As a long-time gaming enthusiast and someone who’s been following the industry news closely for years, I can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment at the potential delays of some highly anticipated titles. With Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the next installment in the beloved Black Ops series, set to drop along with Grand Theft Auto and Marvel’s Wolverine within the coming years, I was excitedly looking forward to immersing myself in these new worlds.

SAG-AFTRA’s president, Fran Drescher, stated, “We won’t agree to contracts that let companies misuse AI at the expense of our members. It’s time for a change. Once these companies present fair offers that align with our members’ needs and values, we’ll be prepared to discuss terms.”

Starting from Friday, 26th July, voice acting jobs at Activision, Electronic Arts, Insomniac Games, Take-Two Productions, WB Games, Blindlight, Disney Character Voices, Formosa Interactive, Llama Productions, and Voice Works will no longer be available.

Will GTA VI be affected by the SAG AFTRA strikes?

At present, it’s undecided which particular productions will be influenced by the strike. The SAG AFTRA union members will go on strike, and it’s likely that major projects will be affected. Take-Two has refused to comment on the matter regarding GTA VI’s standing, without confirming or denying anything.

As a curious gamer, I recently discovered that SAG-AFTRA’s website comes equipped with a nifty tool for voice actors to probe the production status of games. However, I noticed that this feature only provides information when you input specific production IDs. Eager to learn if Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI) was on the list, I gave it a shot by entering all the rumored project names, with “Project Americas” being the strongest contender. To my astonishment, the tool responded affirmatively, indicating that GTA VI was indeed in the system’s grasp. However, to double-check, I decided to test the system with some nonsensical words instead of production codes. To my relief, the tool confirmed the result using my gibberish input, suggesting that it might have been a mere glitch within the system.

SAG AFTRA strikes affect major publishers; possible ramifications for GTA VI, Call of Duty, and more

1 of 2

As an avid fan of Grand Theft Auto, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the recent news regarding the ongoing strike in the gaming industry. Initially, there were reports suggesting that Grand Theft Auto VI would be directly impacted. However, upon further investigation, it appears that the terms of the strike specify that only games in production after “late last year” are affected (as Inverse clarified). This means that Grand Theft Auto VI, which was reportedly in development before that point, should not be affected by this industrial action.

Several media sources announced that GTA VI might be impacted, but later recanted their statements. The public reaction towards SAG AFTRA, allegedly causing the delay, was largely critical and confrontational.

In terms of my own stance on the topic – SAG AFTRA and affected workers have my full support.

2024-07-26 12:40

Will GTA VI be affected by the SAG AFTRA strikes?

Read More