The most anticipated video game of all time, Grand Theft Auto 6, might be delayed due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. SAG-AFTRA is a union initiated by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. This union represents 160,000 media professionals in the United States, including actors, voice actors, and motion capture performers.

The union is involved in the strike specifically for video games, rather than cartoons or anime. The strike impacts union actors working with major companies like Activision Blizzard, EA, and Take-Two Interactive.

This strike officially came into effect on July 26, primarily due to the overuse of AI in the gaming industry. Actors who work hard might be exploited by this use of AI and face the danger of being replaced by machines. This is a real problem that needs a resolution as soon as possible.

GTA 6 Exempt from Production Halt

GTA 6 will not be impacted by the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, as Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has already confirmed that it won't affect production. The game is still scheduled for release in Fall 2025.

Strauss Zelnick is fully confident about his workers in the strike because he values about them and has negotiated with them successfully. Therefore, GTA 6 won't be affected by the ongoing strike.

We value all of our talent greatly,” the CEO had announced. “We value excellent labor relations, we’re looking forward to reaching an agreement that serves everyone well.” -- Strauss Zelnick

Hints from GTA 6 Gameplay Leaks

In September 2022, GTA 6 gameplay was leaked, including over 60 clips. From these leaks, we can see that most of the voice-over work has already been completed, primarily for the main protagonists (Lucia and the unknown male character, Jason).

Strauss Zelnick has stated that the production of GTA 6 was largely completed before last year, so it should not be affected by the strike. Therefore, it is clear that GTA 6 production is ongoing and progressing towards the planned release in Fall 2025.

Conclusion

AI has been major concern these days and the strike SAG-AFTRA strike pretty valid since many games in gaming industries relies on the voice over of the characters which requires voice actors or actors for that but the AI has made production cost low by simply implementing AI algorithm and use their voice, So the purpose of this strike is pretty serious so it should be solved very quickly.