Labor Relations
Ongoing coverage on Labor Relations.
Latest coverage
SAG-AFTRA issues "do not work" orders against Mega Man: Dual Override
SAG-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 Finance
SAG-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 sequel
Capcom is reportedly facing accusations of abandoning union contracts related to a Mega Man sequel. Co-developer Aggro Crab shared insights into game development, with studio head Nick Kaman discussing mountain design techniques.
Peak co-developer Aggro Crab shares lessons in friendslop
Capcom 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.
Teamsters urge DOJ to block Paramount's Warner Bros. merger
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is urging the US Department of Justice to block the proposed merger between Paramount Global, Skydance Media, and Warner Bros. Discovery. The union cites concerns that the consolidation will lead to job losses and harm domestic production and labor standards. They are requesting enforceable commitments from Paramount and Skydance to protect workers and production before the deal can proceed.
Mega Man: Dual Override Is Hit By Actors' Union "Do Not Work" Order
SAG-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.
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.
Issues and Activism
An actor from the Mega Man franchise has withdrawn from a sequel project due to issues with a non-union contract. This situation highlights ongoing discussions about labor practices and activism within the entertainment industry.
Capcom accused of ditching union contracts on Mega Man: Dual Override
SAG-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.
Historic, First-Ever Union Formed By Workers At 2K Games
Motion-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.
Business and Finance
Indie studio Heart Machine has voluntarily recognized a union, while Outersloth has revealed its game funding agreement with developers. These developments highlight ongoing discussions around labor relations and financial structures within the game development industry.
Mega Man: Dual Override Hit With “Do Not Work Order” by SAG-AFTRA
SAG-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.
Hyper Light Drifter studio Heart Machine voluntarily recognises union
Indie developer Heart Machine has voluntarily recognized a union formed by 13 of its staff members, following several rounds of layoffs. Separately, Sumo Digital is partnering with Arm to evaluate new AI-powered neural technology for mobile game development, aiming to bring PC-quality graphics to mobile platforms.
Hyper Light Drifter studio workers form union after rounds of layoffs
Workers at independent game studio Heart Machine, known for Hyper Light Drifter, have formed a union with Communications Workers of America Local 9003. This move follows multiple rounds of layoffs at the studio, including the discontinuation of Hyper Light Breaker. The union aims to protect workers in the face of industry instability and increasing demands for employee voices to be heard.
"If we love this work, we have to protect it" - Hyper Light studio Heart Machine is now a "wall-to-wall" union
Developers at the indie studio Heart Machine, known for games like Hyper Light Drifter and Solar Ash, have unionized with the Communications Workers of America. This move follows recent layoffs and aims to protect workers' rights and workplace conditions. The studio has voluntarily recognized the union, and negotiations for a first contract are expected.
'If we love this work, we have to protect it:' Heart Machine workers secure voluntary union recognition
Employees at Heart Machine, the studio behind Hyper Light Drifter and Solar Ash, have successfully unionized with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and received voluntary recognition from the company. This move follows recent layoffs and aims to secure better work-life balance, creative autonomy, and job security for developers. The unionization effort at Heart Machine is part of a broader trend of increasing labor organizing within the game industry.
Yves Guillemot: "Changes of this scale naturally raise questions and create tension"
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot acknowledged employee concerns following recent cost-cutting measures and layoffs, stating that such changes naturally create tension. He emphasized the need for transparency and open dialogue while navigating a competitive industry. Guillemot also defended the appointment of his son, Charlie Guillemot, as co-CEO of the Tencent-backed subsidiary Vantage Studios.
