Equity Sets New Standards: Recommended Minimum Rates for Video Game Performers
In a significant move for the UK video game industry, Equity has introduced recommended minimum rates for performers in AAA games. This initiative addresses the long-standing issue of low pay within the sector, which has failed to keep pace with inflation and remains significantly lower than that offered in the US and Canada.
As part of Equity's Game On! campaign (#EquityGameOn), these minimum rates aim to advocate for better pay, terms, and conditions for video game performers. This is crucial, especially in light of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike in the US, where similar concerns about fair compensation and the threat of artificial intelligence are being raised. Unlike in the US, UK performers have lacked a collectively bargained agreement with video game companies to secure fair minimum rates.
Why Do These Rates Matter?
The UK video games industry is a powerhouse, valued at nearly £8 billion and benefiting from around £200 million in government tax breaks in 2022. Despite this, performers have struggled with stagnant wages. Equity’s new rates represent a vital step in aligning performer compensation with the industry’s value.
Recommended Minimum Rates Overview
The rates are designed for AAA games—productions by mid-size or major publishers—and include the following key areas:
Voiceover Rates: Minimum £300 per hour, rising to £350 for sessions with headcam or facial reference.
Ensemble Record: £800 for a half day, £1000 for a full day.
Atmospheric/Walla Work: Minimum £200 per hour.
Motion Capture: Minimum £650 per day, with performance capture starting at £850 per day.
Usage Buyouts: Set at 200% of the Basic Session Fee (BSF) for up to four hours, and a minimum of 25% of BSF for additional hours.
Overtime: Pro-rata for every 30 minutes beyond the scheduled session.
These rates are negotiable, and Equity encourages all productions—AAA, indie, and low-budget—to reach out to discuss tailored agreements.
Moving Forward Together
The introduction of these recommended rates marks a pivotal moment for performers in the video game industry. By standing in solidarity with their counterparts in the US, Equity is pushing for a future where video game performers receive the respect and compensation they deserve.
At Bigmouth Audio, we fully support this initiative and urge producers, studios, and performers to engage with Equity and adopt these standards. Together, we can create a more equitable landscape for everyone involved in video game production.