Low pay, isolating work conditions and lack of consent were among the challenges shared by videogames performers at Equity’s first games action day earlier this month. The day – which brought together motion capture and voiceover artists - focused on building Equity members’ collective strength with the goal of securing union contracts in the games sector.
Videogames are a multi-billion dollar industry but unethical practices undermine it. Pay for UK performers has stagnated despite games companies receiving almost £200 million in tax breaks. Performers do not have the protections they need in the unregulated world of AI, the misuse of NDAs is common, performers are kept in the dark about what game they are even working on and health and safety is often lacking.
Attendees signed a pledge demanding union contracts in gaming, something that would guarantee decent pay and working conditions for performers. Equity’s Audio and Videogames Official Shannon Sailing said “Where we want to be is in proper negotiations with games developers…going straight to the top to get union agreed terms and contracts. That is what we want. That is the goal.”
A highlight of the day was a panel discussion on taking collective action, with Alan Turkington and Rebecca Yeo from Equity’s Audio Committee, Bridget Minamore from Fossil Free Books (representing book workers calling for a fossil fuel free book industry) and Mikey Brett from Equity’s Choreographers and Movement Directors’ Network.
Above: Panelists, l-r: Rebecca Yeo and Alan Turkington from Equity’s Audio Committee, Mikey Brett from Equity’s Choreographers and Movement Directors’ Network and Bridget Minamore from Fossil Free Books.
Panelists answered questions from the audience including on how to negotiate rates, how to reach isolated workers and the dangers of AI. Bridget Minamore from FFB spoke to the importance of being active in your union: “Work out what your strength is and show up with your best organising self.”
The day was one of a series of videogames events in November, including an earlier drop-in session at the National Videogames Museum in Sheffield for members and non-members alike.
Find out more about our Game On! Campaign and about our next events.
