A new strike by the SAG-AFTRA voice actors' union could affect the release date of GTA 6
The SAG-AFTRA union, representing the interests of voice and motion capture actors, announced that it has decided to start a new strike due to issues with the regulation of AI usage in video games. This could impact the release date of GTA 6.
It is reported that the strike will begin on July 26 and will continue until a favorable deal is reached with the largest game publishers, ensuring the protection of actors' rights amidst the growing use of artificial intelligence.
«We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse A.I. to the detriment of our members. Enough is enough. When these companies get serious about offering an agreement our members can live — and work — with, we will be here, ready to negotiate», — SAG-AFTRA representatives said.
The strike was voted for by 98.32% of the union members. It is currently known that negotiations are already underway with a group of the world's largest publishers, including Take-Two, Activision, Disney, EA, Insomniac Games, and WB Games.
Some major companies involved in negotiations with SAG-AFTRA have expressed disappointment that the union decided to call a strike. Their representative, Audrey Cooling, stated that the parties had already agreed on 24 out of 25 issues, including a decision to increase actors' wages.
If the parties do not find a way to resolve all issues in the near future, this could potentially delay the release of GTA 6 and other major games, according to media reports. It is worth noting that in the past, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick claimed that GTA 6 is «fully protected» from any possible SAG-AFTRA strike and that it would not affect its release.