The Screen Actor’s Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists may go on strike against video game publishers, after both guilds pulled from negotiations to extend what are called “Interactive Media Agreements” on May 13th.

Today, both guilds sent out about 2,000 ballots to it’s members to vote on whether to strike or not. 75 percent of SAG membership must vote in favor for the strike in order for it commence, while the AFTRA requires 66 percent. Voting members will have until June 7th to return the ballots.

The guilds argue that, because of the rising revenue that video games generate, a payscale including residuals -like contracts used in Hollywood to share profits- should be implimented for video game sales. As it currently stands, voice actors are paid a one-time flat sum for their services.

Seth Oster, a spokesman for both unions, says “The issue of profit sharing is one of fundamental importance to the actors in our unions. This industry is now a mature and thriving one, and we have reached a point where actors’ share of this enormous pie needs to increase.”

This view runs contrary to the view held by the publishers. Lev Chapelsky, a representative for the publishers and general manager of Brightlihgt LCC (a firm that offers video game voice acting services to publishers), argues that while an actor in a movie is essential to said movie’s production, voice acting in a game is more of an added element. “If you take the actor out, you don’t have a production. In interactive entertainment, it’s about the game play, and the game play is a function of technology, and actors’ performance is an added element to the overall value.”

CREDIT: San Fransisco Gate, Screen Actors Guild