SAG-AFTRA and a coalition of video game companies have extended negotiations after returning to talks for three days but failing to reach an agreement.
The union announced the decision on Saturday, adding that the dates have not yet been set and will be announced later. Meanwhile, the union's strike continues against employers who signed the Interactive Media Agreement, which is nearing the 100-day mark. The Hollywood journalist contacted a representative of the employers' coalition.
The union artists hit Activision Productions Inc., Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Insomniac Games Inc., Take 2 Productions Inc., WB Games Inc., Blindlight LLC, Formosa Interactive LLC and Llama Productions LLC from then On July 26, the union group clashed with employers over the provisions relating to AI contained in its contract.
The two sides returned to the negotiating table in person on October 23 in an attempt to reach an agreement. Meanwhile, the union had announced the day before that more than 120 games from 49 companies had signed interim deals or staggered budget deals with the union, essentially agreeing to the union's AI demands. Union artists may work under titles signing such contracts during the work stoppage.
During the strike, SAG-AFTRA called for another work stoppage against the title of the tent League of Legends after claiming that producer Formosa Interactive “tried to subvert” the strike over an unnamed game by attempting to hire non-union artists through a shell company. The Formosa Group said it “completely rejects[s]” the allegations. An unfair labor practices charge filed with the National Labor Relations Board has not yet been resolved.
Ray Rodriguez, SAG-AFTRA's contracts manager, is leading the negotiations for the union, while William E. Zuckerman, managing partner of Kauff McGuire & Margolis, represents the employers.