Gaming Actors Rally for Change

A Call for Transparency in Video Game Production

Actors within the video game industry are voicing strong objections against being unexpectedly involved in explicit scenes, including those depicting sexual violence. These situations have caused significant distress for many, especially when their performances are digitized into game characters without adequate briefing on the content.

Inside Perspectives

Insights from Jessica Jefferies

Jessica Jefferies, a seasoned casting director and former motion capture performer, shares her experiences of being caught off-guard by demands for explicit content during shoots. She advocates for essential reforms such as full script access beforehand and the option to request a closed set, ensuring a safe and professional environment for all performers.

An Anonymous Voice Actor’s Encounter

One voice actor, who prefers to remain unnamed, recounts her discomfort upon discovering the explicit nature of her role only at the time of recording. The surprise, coupled with a predominantly male crew, made her experience feel non-consensual. She emphasizes the urgent need for protocols mirroring those in film and TV, focusing on enhanced communication and support for performers post-performance.

Advancing Industry Norms

Highlighting a positive shift, Rhiannon Bevan references Baldur’s Gate 3, which employs intimacy coordinators to safeguard actor welfare during sensitive scenes. This practice is seen as a progressive step towards embedding respect and professionalism in the gaming industry’s treatment of actors.

Explore the challenges and calls for change from actors navigating explicit content in the gaming industry.

FAQ

1. Why are actors in the gaming industry calling for change regarding explicit scenes?
Actors are demanding changes because they often find themselves involved in explicit content, such as scenes depicting sexual violence, without prior notice. This lack of transparency has caused significant distress, as actors are not given the opportunity to consent fully or prepare for these intense scenes beforehand.

2. What are some of the changes that industry professionals like Jessica Jefferies are advocating for?
Jessica Jefferies and others are pushing for reforms that include giving actors full access to scripts before they agree to roles, ensuring they are aware of any explicit content. Additionally, they advocate for the option to request a closed set during the filming of sensitive scenes to maintain privacy and professionalism.

3. How is the gaming industry beginning to address these concerns?
Some parts of the gaming industry are making positive changes, such as employing intimacy coordinators, as seen in the production of Baldur’s Gate 3. These coordinators help ensure the well-being of actors during the filming of explicit scenes, representing a move towards more respectful and professional practices.

Sources BBC