Equity calls on video games industry to introduce union-negotiated agreements

Equity has called on video game bosses to improve pay, terms and conditions for performers in the industry.

A protest at the BAFTA Games Awards at the Southbank Centre on Tuesday saw Equity members with placards demanding ‘union contracts in gaming now!’

Attendees at the red carpet event were leafleted about poor pay and conditions in the games industry. The protest was part of the union’s ongoing Game On! campaign.

John Barclay, Equity’s assistant general secretary for recorded media, said that “companies continue to ignore Equity’s calls to work with us to introduce union-negotiated agreements in the UK that would improve pay, terms and conditions for our members – something that is normal practice in the US”.

He added: “Pay for video game performers in the UK has stagnated despite games companies receiving almost £200m 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 better.”