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EA CEO Downplays Short-Term Impact of Video Game Actor Strike on Company. Andrew Wilson, CEO of Electronic Arts, stated that the ongoing video game actor strike is not expected to have an immediate impact on the company’s operations, IGN reports. Wilson clarified that the strike impacts new games entering production after September 2023, thus sparing EA's current and live service projects like "Madden NFL 24" and "The Sims 4." The company's lineup, including "Madden NFL 25" and "NHL 25," is largely comprised of games already in development before the strike's cutoff, ensuring continued content delivery. EA's strong financial performance, driven by a solid portfolio of ongoing titles, suggests resilience against immediate disruptions caused by the strike. Wilson acknowledged potential long-term impacts, as projects planned for release in the coming years could face delays if the strike continues. EA emphasized its commitment to negotiating in good faith with the actors' union to reach a resolution that addresses industry-wide concerns. Wilson noted that the strike is an industry-wide issue concerning the use of AI in games, not specific to EA, highlighting a broader challenge faced by game developers. The actors' union, SAG-AFTRA, initiated the strike on July 26, focusing on securing protections for actors against AI and other industry changes. The strike could affect the production timeline of games greenlit after the September 2023 cutoff, potentially disrupting EA's plans for 2026 and beyond if unresolved. SAG-AFTRA plans to hold its first strike picket at WB Games, underscoring the urgency of addressing actor concerns within the gaming industry.
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