negotiation Archives

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

SAG-AFTRA reaches “tentative” agreement with games companies

The SAG-AFTRA performers' union has reached a tentative agreement with major video game companies, including Activision, EA, and Epic Games, regarding its interactive media contract. This agreement is set for review and approval by SAG-AFTRA's board. Video game performers have been on strike since July 2024, advocating for protections related to artificial intelligence in game development. The agreement includes important A.I. guardrails to protect performers' interests. Fran Drescher, president of SAG-AFTRA, emphasized the strength and resolve of the performers and noted that the progress achieved is a result of their collective efforts. The union plans to begin preparations for future negotiations following the ratification of this agreement.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

SAG-AFTRA union files complaint against Epic over Darth Vader Fortnite AI voice work

SAG-AFTRA has filed a formal complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Epic Games for using artificial intelligence to voice Darth Vader in Fortnite without prior notice or negotiation. The union emphasizes the need to protect performers' rights and accused Epic Games of failing to engage in good faith negotiations regarding changes to employment terms, specifically the replacement of human actors with AI-generated voices.

AppWizard

April 11, 2025

Malay Mail’s Top 10 Picks: ‘A Minecraft Movie’ tops local box office, ends ‘Ne Zha 2’s’ weeks-long reign

Kuala Lumpur's entertainment industry is seeing an increase in video game adaptations, with the Minecraft Movie recently becoming the ninth-highest-grossing video game adaptation and taking the top spot at the local box office, ending Ne Zha 2's reign. Current top films in local cinemas include A Minecraft Movie, Ne Zha 2, and Pabrik Gula, among others. On streaming platforms, Netflix's top shows include Weak Hero: Class 1 and Karma: Season 1, while Viu features Bidaah and Undercover High School. Spotify's top songs for the week include tracks by JENNIE and Billie Eilish, and the top Malay songs feature Ara Johari and Nadeera. The latest bestsellers in fiction include Lyrics & You by Nuruljannah Usop and A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, while non-fiction bestsellers include Atomic Habits by James Clear and Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

Microsoft delays WSUS driver sync deprecation indefinitely

Microsoft has indefinitely postponed the removal of driver synchronization within Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) in response to customer feedback. The planned removal, originally set for April 18, 2025, has been put on hold as the company works on a revised timeline. This decision marks a shift from previous communications that indicated the deprecation of WSUS driver synchronization. Microsoft had initially announced the intention to phase out this feature in June 2024 and had encouraged IT administrators to adopt cloud-based solutions. Despite the earlier deprecation announcement, Microsoft will continue to support existing WSUS capabilities and publish updates.

AppWizard

February 16, 2025

Saber Interactive’s head honcho pulled a wild stunt to nab the Halo: Combat Evolved remaster, telling Microsoft he’d do the job for free before ultimately squeezing the publisher for millions

Saber Interactive, led by CEO Matthew Karch, was invited to pitch for the remaster of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary while developing titles like Will Rock and Timeshift. Karch proposed to Microsoft that Saber would remaster the game at no cost, with the understanding of earning royalties post-launch in 2011. However, Microsoft included clauses in the contract that stripped Saber of these rights. Despite this, Saber went on to remaster Halo 2 and port Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary to Xbox One. Before the release of The Master Chief Collection, Karch refused to sign the contract for the port work unless Microsoft reconsidered the royalty situation, which they ultimately did, leading to Saber receiving royalties estimated in the tens of millions of dollars. Saber was acquired by Embracer Group in 2020 and sold again in 2024 after layoffs and canceled projects, but has since launched Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, achieving acclaim.