SAG-AFTRA
SAG-AFTRA business and news from across the web.
Digging into SAG-AFTRA’s Stellar Win With Sarah ElmalehActor and SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media Negotiating Committee chair Sarah Elmaleh discusses the recent Interactive Media Agreement that ended an 11-month strike. The deal includes improved actor pay, new safety standards, and terms for the use of generative AI, giving actors more control over their data. Elmaleh shares her experience navigating the three-year negotiation process.
ESA says anti-deepfake act could 'devastate' video game industryThe Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has expressed strong opposition to SAG-AFTRA's proposed "No Fakes" act, arguing that its current wording creates significant legal uncertainty and could devastate the video game industry. ESA president Stanley Pierre-Louis stated that the act's broad definition of "digital replica" could lead to frivolous lawsuits and that the cost of litigation would be economically devastating, despite the industry likely prevailing in court.
Mass Effect and Metal Gear actor Jennifer Hale calls on studios to take responsibility for their AI use:…Voice actor Jennifer Hale emphasized that generative AI is a tool for which humans are responsible, urging studios to take ownership of its use. She highlighted that creative professions are early indicators of AI's impact on the workforce and stressed the importance of consent and compensation for performers whose work is used for AI training.
Serikat Aktor Hollywood Mulai Kenalkan Usulan Aturan Baru Soal AIThe SAG-AFTRA union is proposing new rules regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) actors by studios in film productions. These proposed rules require studios to provide significant added value and notify and negotiate with the union if they license performances for AI training. While some members express concerns about enforcement, union leadership is confident the guidelines will protect human actors.
The Film and Television Figures Whose Work Continues to Shape the IndustryThis article highlights influential figures in the entertainment industry who have shaped culture through their work, advocacy, and philanthropy. Individuals like Alfre Woodard, Geena Davis, and Keanu Reeves are recognized for their lasting impact beyond their on-screen performances, demonstrating how talent can translate into significant cultural and social change.
SAG-AFTRA issues "do not work" orders against Mega Man: Dual OverrideSAG-AFTRA has issued a "do not work" order against Capcom's upcoming game, Mega Man: Dual Override, after voice actor Ben Diskin stated he would not return to the role without union contract protections. Diskin cited concerns over AI usage and Capcom's refusal to unionize the project, despite SAG-AFTRA's recent tentative agreement following an 11-month strike. This action advises union members against providing any services for the production, which is slated for a 2027 release.- Business and FinanceSAG-AFTRA has issued a 'Do Not Work' order against Capcom for failing to begin the signatory process. Separately, Newzoo predicts that PC gaming revenue will surpass console revenue by 2028.
- Capcom accused of ditching union contracts on Mega Man sequelCapcom is reportedly not providing union terms for a Mega Man sequel, leading the performer union SAG-AFTRA to advise its members against working on the title. The publisher has been accused of ditching union contracts for the upcoming game.
Peak co-developer Aggro Crab shares lessons in friendslopCapcom is accused of not providing union contracts for a Mega Man sequel, leading the performer union SAG-AFTRA to advise its members against working on the title. Co-developer Aggro Crab also shared insights into their development practices.
Mega Man: Dual Override Is Hit By Actors' Union "Do Not Work" OrderSAG-AFTRA has issued a "Do Not Work" order against Capcom's upcoming game, Mega Man: Dual Override, due to the company failing to engage with the union for voice actor protections. Voice actor Ben Diskin revealed Capcom asked him to work without union protections, citing concerns about AI usage. This action follows a previous strike by video game actors over similar issues.
Unions band together to launch new game industry conference 'by workers, for workers'The United Videogame Workers of CWA has launched the Game Workers Conference (GWC), an online event scheduled for May 22-23, 2026, designed by and for game industry workers. The conference will feature discussions on industry skills, union campaigns, and the relationship between press and workers, with participation from organizations like SAG-AFTRA. Sessions will be freely accessible online, with optional watch parties in select cities.
SAG-AFTRA issues a Do Not Work Order against Capcom for "failing to initiate the signatory process"SAG-AFTRA has issued a "Do Not Work Order" against Capcom's upcoming game Mega Man: Dual Override, citing the company's failure to initiate the signatory process. This prevents voice actor Ben Diskin from reprising his role as Mega Man due to concerns over union contract protections and the potential use of AI. The union has been in negotiations with game publishers regarding AI and labor rights.
Mega Man: Dual Override Has Been Hit With A Do Not Work OrderSAG-AFTRA has issued a "Do Not Work Order" against Capcom's upcoming game, Mega Man: Dual Override, due to the publisher's failure to engage with the union. Voice actor Ben Diskin cited concerns over AI protections and the lack of union contract enforcement as reasons for his departure from the role of Mega Man. The game is slated for release on multiple platforms including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Capcom accused of ditching union contracts on Mega Man: Dual OverrideSAG-AFTRA has issued a 'Do Not Work Order' for Mega Man: Dual Override, accusing Capcom of refusing to offer union contracts. Voice actor Ben Diskin stated he would not return for the project due to Capcom's stance. The union emphasizes the importance of Global Rule One to protect member earnings and gains. Mega Man: Dual Override is scheduled for a 2027 release on PC and consoles.
Mega Man Voice Actor Won't Return for Dual Override as Capcom Reportedly Won't Hire Him With 'The Protections of a Union Contract' - IGNVoice actor Ben Diskin will not return for Mega Man: Dual Override due to Capcom's refusal to offer a union contract, citing concerns over AI protections. SAG-AFTRA has issued a "Do Not Work Order" against the production, as the publisher has not initiated the signatory process for union actors. Diskin expressed his desire for union protection to ensure AI safeguards are enforceable, especially given the industry's current uncertainty and layoffs.
Historic, First-Ever Union Formed By Workers At 2K GamesMotion-capture performers at 2K Games' Petaluma studio have formed the first union for such workers in the US, named RPG-IATSE. They have unanimously ratified their first contract with parent company Take-Two Interactive, securing benefits like wage minimums, bonuses, and protections against AI likeness reproduction. This follows similar labor actions in the games industry, including a SAG-AFTRA strike.
Mega Man: Dual Override Hit With “Do Not Work Order” by SAG-AFTRASAG-AFTRA has issued a "Do Not Work Order" for Capcom's upcoming game Mega Man: Dual Override, preventing union members from participating. Voice actor Ben Diskin, who voiced Mega Man in Mega Man 11, announced he will not return for the new title due to the lack of union protections and concerns over AI usage. The game is slated for a 2027 release on multiple platforms.
Mega Man's voice actor says he won't be returning in Dual Override over non-union contract concernsVoice actor Ben Diskin, who voiced Mega Man in Mega Man 11, will not return for Mega Man: Dual Override due to concerns over non-union contract terms and AI protections. SAG-AFTRA has issued a "do not work" order for the game, stating Capcom has not initiated the signatory process. Diskin expressed willingness to work on a lower-budget union contract, highlighting industry uncertainty and layoffs.