SAG-AFTRA will allow striking actors to participate in student projects and jams

SAG-AFTRA has taken a significant step in its fight for the rights of video game actors by introducing the Student Interactive Exemption Agreement and the Game Jam Exemption Agreement. These agreements allow striking actors to participate in student projects, providing job opportunities without violating the strike that has been ongoing for eight months, which began on March 26. The measure aims to support early-stage video game developers, thus ensuring a steady flow of talent and creativity in the industry.

SAG-AFTRA is committed to the industry

The national executive director of SAG-AFTRA, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, highlighted that union members are committed to the industry and want to participate in projects that define the future of video games. However, it is crucial that the projects meet certain requirements to qualify under these exemption agreements.

The reason behind the extension of the strike is related to the demands of the actors, who are calling for protections against the misuse of artificial intelligence and the use of their image without consent. AI has become a central concern, as its misuse could threaten the viability of actors’ careers. Ashly Burch, known for her role in Horizon Zero Dawn, expressed her concern about the potential misuse of technology like AI, emphasizing that it is not the advancement itself that worries her, but the lack of legal protection for actors.

Video game studios have begun to feel the impact of the strike. For example, League of Legends is resorting to recycling old voice lines, while a recent episode of Destiny 2 was released without certain voice lines. This situation highlights the urgent need for an agreement between the actors and the studios to ensure that video game development can progress without compromising the rights of those involved.

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