142: Winning Together with Sarah Elmaleh (SAG-AFTRA Video Game Strike)

142: Winning Together with Sarah Elmaleh (SAG-AFTRA Video Game Strike)

Author: The Secret Lives of Games September 2, 2024 Duration: 1:16:28

We're joined by our own Sarah Elmaleh, who is currently leading the SAG-AFTRA video-game actors' strike as Chair of the union's Interactive Negotiating Committee. In this rare topical emergency episode, we discuss the urgency of securing basic protections for performers in the age of so-called "generative A.I.," the power of collective action, and why this fight has existential stakes for video games as a commercial medium. Happy Labor Day!

Show Notes

Sarah Elmaleh

SAG-AFTRA Video Game Strike Official FAQ

SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreements

SAG-AFTRA Tiered Budget Interactive Media Agreement


Ever wonder what really happens between the initial spark of an idea and the final product you play? The Secret Lives of Games pulls back the curtain, offering a rare, unvarnished look at the creative journey. Each episode is built around a candid conversation with a game creator, moving far beyond simple promotion to explore the messy, beautiful, and often surprising realities of their work. You’ll hear about the late-night breakthroughs, the frustrating dead ends, and the personal philosophies that shape the games we love. This podcast is less about reviews or news and more about understanding the human effort behind the pixels and code. It’s for anyone who’s curious about the art and craft of game development, whether you’re a seasoned player, an aspiring designer, or simply fascinated by creative processes. Listen in for genuine stories about problem-solving, narrative design, artistic choices, and the intricate process of building interactive worlds. These are the detailed, behind-the-scenes discussions that reveal how games truly come to life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Secret Lives of Games
Podcast Episodes
146: Ascending the Ranks with Jeff Dubbin (Competitive Lost Cities) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:07:17
Rob, Nick, Doug, and Andy chat with Jeff Dubbin, a lawyer and (at the time of recording and publication) Board Game Arena's top-ranked international player of Reiner Knizia's Lost Cities. Lost Cities is a two-player card…
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Campanella 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:15
We're joined by Liz Ryerson (musician, writer, podcaster), Russ Frushtick (The Besties), and Xanagear (youtube.com/xanagear) to discuss Campanella 2, the 35th game in the UFO 50 collection. "Pilot's gone missing on a gia…
Eggplant TV Plays De Mol (2025 season) - Episode 9 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:45
We're recapping the 2025 season of our favorite tv show, Flemish De Mol (Season 13). Laura, Jey, and Doug break down Episode 9 (reunion) and try to rank and contextualize the season. Join us on the Discord for tips on ho…
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Overbold [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:59
We're joined by Izzy Kestrel (Funomena, No Goblin) and John Axon (Capy Games) to discuss Overbold, the 34th game in the UFO 50 collection. "In the notorious Red Arena, the more risk you take, the more money you make!" Ne…
Eggplant TV Plays De Mol (2025 season) - Episode 8 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:36
We're recapping the 2025 season of our favorite tv show, Flemish De Mol (Season 13). Laura, Jey, and Doug break down Episode 8 and share their Mole suspicions. Join us on the Discord for tips on how to watch, chat about…
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Fist Hell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:47:54
We're joined by Shawn Alexander Allen (Treachery in Beatdown City), Robert Ashley (A Life Well Wasted), Greg Ford (EGM), and Trent Kusters (League of Geeks) to discuss Fist Hell, the 33rd game in the UFO 50 collection. "…
Eggplant TV Plays De Mol (2025 season) - Episode 7 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:55
We're recapping the 2025 season of our favorite tv show, Flemish De Mol (Season 13). Laura, Jey, and Doug break down Episode 7 and share their Mole suspicions. Join us on the Discord for tips on how to watch, chat about…
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Mortol II [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:48:31
We're joined by Stephanie Boluk (UC Davis), Patrick LeMieux (UC Davis), and Aaron "ix" Kearsley (Speedrunner) to discuss Mortol II, the 32nd game in the UFO 50 collection. "How many will have to sacrifice their lives to…
Eggplant TV Plays De Mol (2025 season) - Episode 6 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:49
We're recapping the 2025 season of our favorite tv show, Flemish De Mol (Season 13). Laura, Jey, and Doug break down Episode 6 and share their Mole suspicions. Join us on the Discord for tips on how to watch, chat about…
EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Pingolf [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:34:35
We're joined by Ben Wilson (Saltsea Chronicles), John Axon (Capybara Games), and Scott Anderson (Unity) to discuss Pingolf, the 31st game in the UFO 50 collection. "Each year the best golfers in the galaxy show up to com…