SAG-AFTRA Strike Hits Video Game Industry, But GTA 6 Remains Unaffected - Take-Two Interactive (NASDAQ:TTWO)

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On July 26, SAG-AFTRA officially commenced a strike involving video game voice actors, impacting numerous games currently being developed. However, one highly anticipated title, Take-Two Interactive Software Inc‘s TTWO Grand Theft Auto 6, stands out as it remains unaffected by the strike. See Also: GTA 6 Clue Found In Online Update: What Does It Mean? First reported by Kotaku and independently verified by IGN, Grand Theft Auto 6 is exempt from the strike. Understanding The Exemption The exemption of Grand Theft Auto 6 from the strike can be traced back to an existing agreement between SAG-AFTRA and gaming companies. Games that were already in production before August 25, 2023, including live service games, fall under a previous contractual agreement. This agreement allows these projects to proceed without being impacted by the current strike. Despite this, SAG-AFTRA members working on GTA 6 can choose to show solidarity by not signing new contracts, although they are not mandated to do so. A message on SAG-AFTRA’s website clarifies the situation: “While not struck, this game is produced by a struck company. If you have been engaged under a daily contract for this game, you can show solidarity with your fellow union members by choosing not to sign new contracts on the game. However, you may work the game and will not be disciplined for doing so.” Grand Theft Auto 6: A Closer Look Grand Theft Auto 6, officially revealed in December 2023, is set in a modern-day, fictionalized version of Florida. The game features two protagonists, Lucia and an unnamed male character, rumored to be named Jason. The first trailer for GTA 6 became a massive hit, setting a record on YouTube as the most-viewed video game reveal within 24 hours. Rockstar initially announced a 2025 release for GTA 6. This timeline was further narrowed down in May 2024, when Take-Two Interactive’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick, expressed high confidence in meeting a Fall 2025 release date for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S during an interview with IGN. AI Protections At The Core Of SAG-AFTRA Strike The strike's primary catalyst is the inability to reach a consensus on AI protections. SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher stated: "We're not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of our members. When these companies get serious about offering an agreement our members can live — and work — with, we will be here, ready to negotiate." In contrast, Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the video game producers, told The Verge: "We are disappointed the union has chosen to walk away when we are so close to a deal, and we remain prepared to resume negotiations. We have already found common ground on 24 out of 25 proposals, including historic wage increases and additional safety provisions." Now Read: Survey Reveals 87% Of Game Developers Embrace Open-Source Amid AI Concerns, Layoff Fears And added: "Our offer is directly responsive to SAG-AFTRA's concerns and extends meaningful AI protections that include requiring consent and fair compensation to all performers working under the IMA. These terms are among the strongest in the entertainment industry." Meanwhile, the strike encompasses a wide range of activities prohibited under SAG-AFTRA's directive, including singing, acting, dancing, performing motion capture, rehearsals, and auditions. Read Next: Photo: Shutterstock