No, The SAG-AFTRA Strike Will Not Affect Grand Theft Auto 6

Voice actors and motion capture performers have become essential to the success of modern video games. However, the introduction of generative AI technology has raised concerns, as it poses a threat to the unauthorized use of actors’ likenesses and performances. Today, SAG-AFTRA initiated a strike against major video game companies over AI and actor rights concerns. 

In particular, this news initially caused alarm in the community, as earlier rumors that originated from an article by Inverse suggested that the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 would be impacted by the strike but the original article has since been updated.

Regardless, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick’s assurances in November last year proved accurate, and the game remains unaffected. 

Games that began production before late last year will not be affected by the strike, according to the terms.”

UPDATE SPOTTED BY @SpiderVice

Games in production prior to late 2023 will not be impacted by the strike, which undoubtedly includes GTA VI.

It is safe under current strike terms, and there should not be a delay! https://t.co/LJrmukjvqX pic.twitter.com/7WaXNpgCYl

— GTABase.com (@GTABase) July 25, 2024

The Implications Of SAG-AFTRA’s Strike On The Industry

As mentioned earlier, SAG-AFTRA (A union representing actors and media professionals) announced a strike against ten prominent video game companies, set to begin at 12:01 a.m. tomorrow. Although the union tried negotiations for nearly two years, there was no consensus on updating the Interactive Media Agreement to protect the actors and performers from potential AI abuses.

Therefore, the companies facing the strike include the divisions of Activision Productions Inc., Walt Disney Co., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Epic Games Inc., Insomniac Games Inc., Take-Two Productions Inc., and WB Games Inc., among others.

As a result, this development in the gaming industry may threaten the release date of some of the most awaited games. While the industry grapples with these disruptions, the broader impact on the release timeline is unknown but it is welcoming news that GTA 6 is safe and sound.