Grand Theft Auto 6 Among Games Exempt from Video Game Voice Actor Strike
Yesterday, SAG-AFTRA officially announced that it is officially on strike; this time, it is for video game voice actors. As the strike commences, many games currently in development will be affected due to the labor strikes. However, one notable game that will not be affected is Rockstar Games’ upcoming open-world game, which is undoubtedly one of next year’s most highly anticipated titles: Grand Theft Auto 6.
First reported by Kotaku and independently verified by IGN, Grand Theft Auto 6 is exempt from the video game voice actor strike. Take-Two declined IGN’s request for comment.
Additionally, this claim of GTA 6’s exemption from the video game voice actors strike can be verified by heading to the SAG-AFTRA database, which includes a search tool allowing SAG-AFTRA members to search for the struck status of video game projects. Below, you can read the message on SAG-AFTRA’s website regarding GTA VI’s exemption.
“While not struck, this game is produced by a struck company. If you have been engaged under a daily contract for this game, you can show solidarity with your fellow union members by choosing not to sign new contracts on the game. However, you may work the game and will not be disciplined for doing so.”
GTA 6 is exempt from the video game voice actors strike because games already in production before August 25, 2023, including live service games, are covered by the previous contractual agreement between SAG-AFTRA and gaming companies. However, actors may still choose not to work on the game in solidarity with fellow members and cannot be penalized by employers.
Grand Theft Auto 6 was officially revealed in December 2023. Its first trailer became a mega-hit for Rockstar Games, becoming YouTube’s most-viewed video game reveal within 24 hours. Set in the modern-day fictionalized version of Florida, players control Lucia and an unnamed male, who fans theorize is named Jason.
Upon its initial reveal, Rockstar confirmed that GTA 6 would be released in 2025. However, Take-Two Interactive would narrow that release window in May 2024, when CEO Strauss Zelnick told IGN in an interview that the company was “highly confident” that GTA would not be delayed, while also revealing the game would be released in Fall 2025 for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
While GTA 6 remains technically unaffected by the strikes, that does not mean the gaming industry will feel the effects of this ongoing labor strike. For more on what the strike means for gamers, check out our FAQ that runs down why the voice actors are on strike and why the union is seeking AI protections in its next contract.
Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
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