The recent strike by voice actors and motion-capture artists, which began last week, is expected to have minimal impact on major video game publishers like Electronic Arts and Take-Two Interactive, according to industry analysts. This latest strike follows previous actions in Hollywood, where writers and actors sought protections against the use of artificial intelligence.
The timing of this strike is particularly sensitive as the video game industry faces a lull in demand after a pandemic-driven surge. Players are spending less time on games, focusing primarily on major titles. However, analysts believe that the strike will not significantly disrupt the industry, as voice actors and motion-capture artists represent a relatively small part of the game development process and budget.
“Large publishers typically invest three to ten years in developing major titles. If a game is set to release in the next few quarters, it has likely been in production for several years,” said Nick McKay, an analyst at Wedbush Securities. This long development cycle means that anticipated releases, such as Take-Two’s highly awaited “Grand Theft Auto VI,” scheduled for a fall 2025 release, are unlikely to be affected by the strike called by the SAG-AFTRA union.
Additionally, the relatively low cost associated with voice acting makes it unlikely that companies will delay projects due to the strike. Analysts noted that without a unified stance among developers, a single company agreeing to terms could lead others to follow suit, minimizing potential disruptions.
Despite the expected limited immediate impact, the strike remains a significant topic of discussion. Joost Van Dreunen, a lecturer at NYU’s Stern School of Business, highlighted that the strike reflects broader industry challenges, including widespread layoffs and studio closures. He warned that if the strike extends into September, it could have more profound effects, potentially disrupting the crucial holiday season for publishers.
As video game companies prepare to report earnings in the coming weeks, the ongoing strike will undoubtedly be a key point of interest for investors and industry observers alike.
