‘Grand Theft Auto' maker Take-Two, Electronic Arts likely to avoid big hit during strike by industry talent: analysts

Group 1 - Major videogame publishers like Electronic Arts and Take-Two are expected to avoid significant impacts from the strike by voice actors and motion-capture artists due to their in-house studios and lengthy game development cycles [1][2] - The strike comes at a critical time for the videogame industry, which is experiencing weak demand following a pandemic-driven boom, with gamers spending fewer hours on games and focusing on major titles [1] - Unlike previous strikes, the current action is anticipated to have minimal effects as the striking workers represent a small fraction of the overall videogame development process and budget [1] Group 2 - Larger publishers typically invest three to ten years in developing major titles, meaning upcoming releases like Take-Two's "Grand Theft Auto VI," scheduled for fall 2025, are unlikely to be impacted by the current strike [2] - The relatively small budget allocated for voice acting reduces the incentive for companies to delay projects, and the lack of a unified body among developers may lead to a domino effect if one developer agrees to terms [4] - The strike is expected to be a significant topic during upcoming earnings reports, reflecting broader issues in the industry, including layoffs and studio shutdowns [4]