Fact Check: "The SAG-AFTRA strike began in July 2024 after the union failed to reach an agreement with major video game companies despite 18 months of discussions."
What We Know
The SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild β American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) strike involving voice actors and motion capture artists against major video game companies began on July 26, 2024. This action was taken after 18 months of negotiations that failed to produce a satisfactory agreement regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other key issues. The previous contract had expired in November 2022, and the union sought to address concerns over consent and compensation for the use of performers' likenesses and voices in AI applications (source-2, source-3).
Analysis
The claim that the SAG-AFTRA strike began in July 2024 after failed negotiations is supported by multiple credible sources. The Los Angeles Times reported that the strike commenced on July 26, 2024, following extensive discussions that lasted 18 months. The negotiations were primarily focused on the implications of AI in the industry, which had become a significant concern for performers (source-6).
Furthermore, the Variety article corroborates this timeline, stating that the strike began after the union's concerns regarding AI were not adequately addressed during the negotiation period (source-5). The Wikipedia entry on the strike also provides a detailed account of the timeline, confirming that the strike was authorized in September 2023 and officially commenced in July 2024 after prolonged discussions (source-2).
The sources used are reliable and come from established news organizations and official union communications, which enhances their credibility. They provide a comprehensive overview of the events leading up to the strike, including the union's motivations and the context of the negotiations.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that the SAG-AFTRA strike began in July 2024 after the union failed to reach an agreement with major video game companies despite 18 months of discussions is accurate. This conclusion is supported by multiple credible sources that detail the timeline and issues surrounding the strike.
Sources
- SAG-AFTRA reaches deal with video game companies that ends video game ...
- 2024βpresent SAG-AFTRA video game strike
- 2024-2025 SAG-AFTRA video game strike - Wikipedia
- Interactive Media (Video Game) Strike | SAG-AFTRA - Screen Actors Guild
- SAG-AFTRA and Video Game Companies Reach Tentative New Deal - Variety
- Video game strike over: SAG-AFTRA, companies reach deal - Los Angeles Times
- Videogame Companies Make Final Offer to SAG-AFTRA
- Video game actors' strike ends after tentative deal is reached