Will SAG-AFTRA engage in further talks to avoid a second strike with video game companies?

The previous negotiations concluded last month without reaching an agreement, but both parties expressed their commitment to continuing the discussions.

Currently, SAG-AFTRA members are already on strike against major film and TV companies, with no scheduled talks at this time.

Last month, an overwhelming majority of the union’s membership voted to authorize a separate strike against ten major video game companies including Electronic Arts and Activision Productions if negotiations fail to produce a satisfactory deal.

Initially set to expire on November 7, 2022, the union’s Interactive Media Agreement was extended by a year to allow for further negotiations.

The actors union intends to address similar concerns in both the video game and TV and theatrical contracts, notably focusing on safeguarding members from the impact of artificial intelligence and securing an 11% raise to account for inflation.

Talks with the video game companies commenced in October 2022 and have seen six rounds of bargaining, including three days from September 26 to 28.

“It’s time for the video game companies to stop playing games and get serious about reaching an agreement on this contract,” emphasized SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher in a statement last month. She further emphasized the need for these billion-dollar revenue generating companies to provide fair agreements that sustain video game performers’ careers.

Last month, Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the video game employers, stated that both sides had tentatively agreed upon over half of the issues being negotiated.

In an announcement made on Monday, the union confirmed that negotiations would continue, with new dates to be disclosed once determined.

For the time being, the current agreement remains in effect.

The union previously embarked on a strike against video game companies in 2016, which lasted for a duration of 11 months.