Horrified female actors are asked to reenact ‘disgusting’ sex acts for video game footage including a ‘graphic rape scene’ in front of a set full of men

Female actors have spoken out about their traumatic experiences reenacting “disgusting” explicit scenes for video games, including scenes of rape and sexual assault, for studios full of men.

Jessica Jefferies recalls once being unexpectedly confronted with a “graphic rape scene” while she was the only woman on set.

The performing arts union Equity has pushed for improvements in warning video game actors who engage in intimate scenes, providing closed sets with minimal access and appointing intimacy coordinators.

Ms. Jeffries, now a casting director in the video game industry, told the BBC She called the scene – which allowed the players to watch through a window for as long as they wanted before shooting the attacker – “purely gratuitous”.

Actors often reenact video game scenes, including sex scenes, live before converting them into digital versions later in the production line.

Equity consulted with Ms Jeffries in drafting new guidelines for video game actors, which address other “common issues” including the overuse of non-disclosure agreements and safety concerns.

One anonymous voice actor was pleased with the recommendations. She recalled feeling “shocked” when she filmed a sex scene for an all-male production team. She compared the experience to how she would feel if she was asked to work on a phone sex line.

She added that as a freelancer she was afraid to raise her concerns for fear of being seen as a troublemaker.

Ms Jeffries explained that she was often only told in advance of a shoot which days she was needed for filming, without being provided with a script.

Therefore, Equity requests that actors, if possible, be given a story summary and scripts prior to filming, with explicit scenes being flagged to those involved.

An anonymous voice actor recalls feeling ‘shocked’ while filming a sex scene in front of an all-male production team (Stock Photo)

Ultimately, the scene Ms Jeffries was supposed to shoot was not filmed after she objected. However, the union did request a secure line of communication between producers and performers so that any concerns could be discussed in advance.

It was also recommended that actors would have the option of a closed set, with an intimacy coordinator present for explicit scenes.

Ms Jeffries and Equity claimed that actors would be better prepared if they were given more information prior to filming, resulting in better performances and a level that would be consistent with film and television industry standards.

Equity said the following when releasing their guidelines: “Our goal is to ensure fair pay and good working conditions for the artists who have spent years training to develop the skills they use to bring video games to life.

‘We urge Equity members to demand these minimum standards and invite studios and developers to work with us on collective agreements that protect everyone and ensure the UK games industry continues to thrive.’

UKIE, the British trade association for the games and interactive entertainment industry, has been asked for comment.