The highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) remains unaffected by the ongoing SAG-AFTRA game actors strike, despite Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, being involved in the dispute. GTA 6 is one of several in-development projects exempt from the labor action.
The strike, initiated by game performers including voice actors and motion capture artists, is in response to concerns over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry. Negotiations between the union and major companies such as Epic Games, EA, and Activision broke down after more than a year, primarily due to disagreements on AI protections. The union contends that current proposals do not adequately safeguard performers from having their work replicated without proper compensation or disclosure.
A spokesperson for the companies involved, including Rockstar Games, confirmed that GTA 6 is exempt from the strike. According to the spokesperson, any game already in development before September 2023 is not subject to the strike action. This is supported by a SAG-AFTRA database search indicating that members are still permitted to work on GTA 6 during the strike.
The exemption applies broadly to projects that have been in development for over a year, including live-service games like Fortnite and Apex Legends. However, if the strike extends beyond 60 days, ongoing performance work on these games by SAG-AFTRA members could be halted. Companies may then face the choice of using replacement labor or delaying future content and projects.
This ongoing strike is likely to impact new games entering production post-September 2023, but many existing titles, including blockbuster franchises such as Call of Duty and Assassin’s Creed, will continue unaffected for the time being.
Despite the labor action affecting many aspects of the gaming industry, Grand Theft Auto VI’s development continues without interruption. This exemption reassures fans eagerly awaiting its release and ensures that one of the most anticipated games of 2025 remains on track.