The effects of the ongoing video game actors strike have reached notable figures in the gaming industry, particularly Hideo Kojima. The production of multiple projects, including those associated with Xbox and Sony, has experienced setbacks due to this strike.
Hideo Kojima recently announced that his studio, Kojima Productions, has had to halt actor scanning and filming for the Xbox game known as OD. This suspension is a direct consequence of the a walkout called by the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists that began in July 2023. This suspension is expected to last through the latter half of 2024.
In addition, casting processes for Physint, Kojima’s highly anticipated project within the action espionage genre, are also on hold. Both titles are currently without scheduled release dates, and Kojima expressed a desire to resume production in 2025.
The actors involved, part of SAG-AFTRA, have raised concerns that video game companies are unwilling to address their demands regarding artificial intelligence. Discussions for a fresh agreement that commenced in October 2022, culminating in members approving the strike in September 2023. This scenario prompts inquiries regarding the prospects of both OD and Physint, particularly since both are video game and film hybrids, with the acclaimed director Jordan Peele collaborating on OD.
Further complicating matters, Kojima is also dedicated to Death Stranding 2, which is expected to be released in 2025. Additionally, a live-action adaptation of Death Stranding is in development with A24. In his announcement, Kojima hinted at the possibility of more adaptations in the works.
OD and Physint are not the only projects feeling the impact of the SAG-AFTRA strike. Activision has confirmed a recasting of certain characters within Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 after fans noticed familiar Zombies characters being voiced by new performers. The company acknowledged the personal choices of the actors involved and refrained from commenting further on the negotiations, expressing hope for a favorable resolution soon.
Although Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 was originally in development prior to the strike, the absence of certain voice actors may stem from their solidarity with union members. This situation highlights how widespread the effects of the strike have been across the industry, leaving many to speculate about the future of various projects.