Chapter 11 - Video game voice actors begin strike.

In a crossover event that hits two interests very near and dear to me, SAG-AFTRA, which represents unionized voice actors who work in video games and other interactive media, has announced that the right to declare a strike has been authorized.

Many of the industry's biggest names, including Jennifer Hale (Mass Effect) and David Hayter (Metal Gear Solid), showed their support for the motion to unionize when the vote opened a few weeks ago. #PerformanceMatters was adopted by voice actors and their sympathizers on Twitter as a rallying cry. Tweets featuring the slogan were meant to encourage members to vote in favor of the strike, as well as increase visibility for what the performers consider to be their undesirable working conditions.

Some of the companies issues have arisen with include Activision and Electronic Arts.

Over 95% of the members of SAG-AFTRA voted to move forward with this strike. In a move that parallels the plights of so many members of the effects/animation/art teams on many of these games (as well as into the realms of television and movie production), there could be a lot of dirt and dust riled up in this. But it needs to happen.

I for one, am not union. I work internally for Hallmark, but even if I had an opportunity to get work out of this, I firmly believe that creativity should be paid for accordingly, that true skill and talent should be recognized and highlighted by taking the steps to treat the performers with respect and dignity due the jobs they do.

I completely understand where they are coming from, and hope that if this strike goes through and happens that it goes a long ways in resolving with good motion on the side of the Union actors.

- Mario, the Artisan Rogue

To learn more, please go to http://www.sagaftra.org/