The SAG-AFTRA strike has several exceptions if performers are not working for studios or streamers (e.g., Twitch…).

Tens of thousands of actors in the SAG-AFTRA union (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) are currently on strike. As a result, many film and TV productions and their filming have been halted. Members cannot be on TV or have theatrical productions, and streaming is not allowed due to strike rules, nor can they promote projects that have already been shot… but they can work on other productions, including video games!

According to the FAQs for union members, the AI strike does not affect work on advertising and video games. Their motion and performance capturing are therefore allowed. They are also entitled to participate in talk shows, game shows, music videos, and audiobooks, as actors can perform these under other contracts. Thus, digitizing Norman Reedus’ face and movements for Death Stranding 2 helps Kojima Productions develop the game and does not break the rules of the strike.

So it’s no wonder Yuri Lowenthal, Nadji Jeter, Laura Bailey, and Tony Todd were at San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday, as they were all involved in Insomniac Games’ next game, Marvel Spider-Man 2 for the PlayStation 5. However, the Twisted Metal series, aiming for Peacock, was not present with its main cast (Anthony Mackie, Will Arnett, Stephanie Beatriz).

SAG-AFTRA’s strike could thus be an exciting boost for the games industry, as it would allow actors who are not currently working to take on roles in games rather than just appearing in-game adaptations for films (a practice that was standard practice a decade and a half ago, not so much today), but in other, independent projects, as they would have plenty of capacity to devote time to it, provided that the developers have the budget for it because they have to be paid for the work.

Source: Polygon