SAG-AFTRA formally declared a strike yesterday, affecting voice actors for video games specifically. Numerous games that are presently in development will be impacted by the labor strikes as soon as they start. Grand Theft Auto 6, the upcoming open-world game from Rockstar Games and unquestionably one of the most anticipated games of the upcoming year, will not be impacted, though.
Grand Theft Auto 6 is not affected by the video game voice actor strike, according to independent verification from Gamexta and initial reporting by Kotaku. Take-Two declined to respond when contacted by Gamexta.
In addition, the SAG-AFTRA database, which has a search function that lets members check the striking status of video game projects, can be used to confirm the assertion that GTA 6 is free from the video game voice actors strike. The SAG-AFTRA website has a notice regarding GTA VI’s exemption, which you may read below.
Since live service games and other games that were already in production before August 25, 2023, are covered by the previous deal between SAG-AFTRA and gaming firms, GTA 6 is not subject to the video game voice actors strike. Actors are not subject to retaliation from employers and are free to decide not to work on the game in solidarity with other players.
December 2023 saw the official reveal of Grand Theft Auto 6. Within a day, the initial trailer for the game became the most viewed video game reveal on YouTube, making it a huge hit for Rockstar Games. Players take control of Lucia and an unidentified male character, whom fans speculate is named Jason. The game is set in a modern-day imaginary version of Florida.
When GTA 6 was first announced, Rockstar stated that it would be out in 2025. Though CEO Strauss Zelnick told Gamexta in an interview that Take-Two Interactive was “very optimistic” that GTA would not be delayed and that the game would be published in fall 2025 on the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, the company would reduce that release window in May 2024.
Even though GTA 6 is still theoretically unaffected by the strikes, this prolonged labor action will nevertheless have an impact on the gaming industry. Check out our FAQ, which explains the reasons for the voice actors’ walkout and the union’s efforts to include AI rights in its next contract, for more information on what the strike means for gamers.
