UK union Equity gathers at BAFTA Game Awards to call for improved conditions for performers

UK performing arts and entertainment union Equity gathered at the BAFTA Game Award last night to call for improvements in pay and terms and conditions for performers.

The action was part of Equity’s Game On campaign, which strives to “raise standards for performers working in video games.”

“It is great to see the successes of the video games industry on show at the BAFTA Game Awards, and for the incredible achievements of its workforce to be celebrated,” said Equity assistant general secretary for recorded media John Barclay.

“But Equity is here to make sure poor practice frequently reported by Equity members does not continue to be ignored by industry leaders.”

“The video games industry is worth over £7 billion in the UK alone and in attendance tonight are bosses from some of the richest companies in the world,” Barclay noted.

“Yet these companies continue to ignore Equity’s calls to work with us to introduce union-negotiated agreements in the UK that would improve pay and terms and conditions for our members.”

He continued: “Pay for video game performers in the UK has stagnated despite games companies receiving almost £200 million in tax breaks; performers do not have proper protections from artificial intelligence or NDA misuse; and they need safer workplaces so they don’t injure their vocals or bodies, or experience improper recordings of intimate scenes.

“In an industry that generates enormous wealth, Equity members deserve much better.”

Last July, Equity shared its support for its sister union SAG-AFTRA and its decision to strike against video games companies in the US after failing to reach an agreement with a bargaining group of major games companies.

“We stand shoulder to shoulder with SAG-AFTRA as partners in a global fight to secure fair pay and protect our members’ rights, which could not be more urgent as we move forward with artificial intelligence,” Barclay said at the time.

Last month, SAG-AFTRA said it remained “frustratingly apart” from major games companies.

It highlighted that the bargaining group, which includes representatives from EA, Activision, Take-Two, and WB Games, “would have you believe that we are close to reaching a deal – this is not the case.”

The union most recently issued new agreements to permit members to work with students and game jams as the strike continues.