[UPDATE 29 July 2024] GTA 6 has been confirmed to not be affected by the strike even though Take-Two Interactive is one of the companies that has been targeted according to a spokesperson for the the publishers.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE BELOW:
According to Inverse, SAG-AFTRA members who perform in video games will begin a strike on Friday, July 26, after over a year and a half of contract negotiations failed to produce an agreement. The union announced this decision on Thursday, emphasizing the need for better compensation and the establishment of informed consent regarding the use of artificial intelligence to replicate their likenesses.
This action affects workers from major companies such as Electronic Arts, Disney, and Take-Two Interactive, among others. The union’s demands reflect growing concerns in the industry about fair wages and the ethical use of AI in capturing and reproducing performers’ identities.
Video game actors play a crucial role in attracting gamers to invest their time in various titles. In recent years, games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Far Cry 6 have capitalized on celebrity involvement, featuring stars such as Keanu Reeves and Giancarlo Esposito. With the increasing integration of generative AI by game developers, actors have raised concerns about the unauthorized use of their likenesses.
![](https://cdn.gamerbraves.com/2024/07/GTA-6_Take-Two-Interactive-on-Review-Bombing_Feature-Image.jpg)
The SAG-AFTRA strike could further extend the already protracted production and development timelines. This could potentially delay highly anticipated releases like Take-Two’s Grand Theft Auto 6. The game is expected next year and predicted to be a massive success in 2025. Take-Two has yet to comment on the situation.
Recently, Take-Two Interactive has voiced out regarding the issue of review bombing and its impact in the games industry as a whole.