SAG-AFTRA ended its scheduled negotiations with video game companies today, both sides failing to reach an agreement on a new Interactive Media contract.
Like film and TV actors, video game actors and performers are part of SAG-AFTRA but fall under a separate contract – the Interactive Media Agreement – which is held with major game companies as opposed to film studios and streamers.
Companies involved in the talks include Activision, Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Epic Games, Take 2 Productions Inc., VoiceWorks Productions Inc., and WB Games Inc.
The agreement was originally due to expire November 7th last year but was extended for a year, and talks resumed this week. The other day, the union overwhelmingly voted for strike authorization and thus could call a strike if needs be.
However a joint statement from SAG-AFTRA and the game companies issued late Thursday indicates both sides aim to avoid a second major work stoppage as, despite no deal being reached today, the “current agreement will remain in effect while the parties make final efforts to reach a deal.”
It’s not clear when they will meet to try again. All this is going down as SAG-AFTRA is set to resume contract talks on Monday with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
Source: Variety
