![[UK] Equity minimum rates to address video game performers’ systemic low pay](http://gpa.net/cdn/shop/articles/bigstock-Motion-Capture-Actor-Cinema-St-234664504_1200x.jpg?v=1723688544)
The UK actors' union Equity has introduced new minimum rates in the hope of addressing "systemic low pay" for performers and improving working conditions in the industry, Eurogamer reports.
Pay for actors in the UK has historically been significantly lower than in America and Canada despite working with the same game developers.
The new rates are reportedly intended for AAA game development, rather than indie developers and are minimum fees as a starting point for negotiation.
Equity did not previously set minimum rates due to prior legislation that prevented the publishing of rates without a collective bargaining agreement. The new rates are being launched as part of Equity’s Game On! campaign to fight for better pay, terms, and conditions for UK performers in video games.
According to Eurogamer, the rates have been set by Equity's Video Game Working Party. It is comprised of Equity members and external consultants, including voice actors David Menkin (Final Fantasy 16), Laurence Bouvard (Perfect Dark Zero), Rebecca Yeo (Wuthering Waves) and Alan Turkington (Still Wakes The Deep).
Their collective statement reads, "After 18 months of hard work, Equity's Video Game Working Party is proud to launch these recommended minimum rates and best practice guidelines for video games; the first of its kind in this area. This is an unprecedented step in the right direction for performers in the games industry, where the union has previously been held back by restrictive legislation and unable to publish such guidelines.
"Our goal is to ensure fair pay and good working conditions for the performers who have trained for years to develop the skills they use to bring video games to life. We urge Equity members to demand these minimum standards and we invite studios and developers to work with us on collective agreements that protect everyone and will ensure the games industry in the UK continues to thrive."
The new rates come in the wake of an ongoing strike from US actors' union SAG-AFTRA in response to the threat of AI.
Previously, Equity stated it would not be striking due to UK legislation but stands "in solidarity" with its sister union.
Source: Eurogamer
(Links and quotes via original reporting)
The UK actors' union Equity has introduced new minimum rates in the hope of addressing "systemic low pay" for performers and improving working conditions in the industry, Eurogamer reports.
Pay for actors in the UK has historically been significantly lower than in America and Canada despite working with the same game developers.
The new rates are reportedly intended for AAA game development, rather than indie developers and are minimum fees as a starting point for negotiation.
Equity did not previously set minimum rates due to prior legislation that prevented the publishing of rates without a collective bargaining agreement. The new rates are being launched as part of Equity’s Game On! campaign to fight for better pay, terms, and conditions for UK performers in video games.
According to Eurogamer, the rates have been set by Equity's Video Game Working Party. It is comprised of Equity members and external consultants, including voice actors David Menkin (Final Fantasy 16), Laurence Bouvard (Perfect Dark Zero), Rebecca Yeo (Wuthering Waves) and Alan Turkington (Still Wakes The Deep).
Their collective statement reads, "After 18 months of hard work, Equity's Video Game Working Party is proud to launch these recommended minimum rates and best practice guidelines for video games; the first of its kind in this area. This is an unprecedented step in the right direction for performers in the games industry, where the union has previously been held back by restrictive legislation and unable to publish such guidelines.
"Our goal is to ensure fair pay and good working conditions for the performers who have trained for years to develop the skills they use to bring video games to life. We urge Equity members to demand these minimum standards and we invite studios and developers to work with us on collective agreements that protect everyone and will ensure the games industry in the UK continues to thrive."
The new rates come in the wake of an ongoing strike from US actors' union SAG-AFTRA in response to the threat of AI.
Previously, Equity stated it would not be striking due to UK legislation but stands "in solidarity" with its sister union.
Source: Eurogamer
(Links and quotes via original reporting)