Video Game Performers Demand Stronger AI Protections in Historic Strike

In a bold move to safeguard their creative contributions, SAG-AFTRA, the prominent entertainment union, has once again called for a work stoppage, this time targeting the video game industry. The actors, who have been negotiating a contract for nearly two years, are now taking to the picket lines, determined to secure stronger protections against the encroachment of artificial intelligence (AI) in their performances.

Actors Refuse to Compromise on AI Safeguards

Defining the Performer's Role in the Digital Age

The heart of the dispute lies in the industry's stance on who qualifies as a "performer" under the collective bargaining agreement. The SAG-AFTRA Chief Contracts Officer, Ray Rodriguez, has stated that the companies have made it clear they do not necessarily consider everyone who provides movement performance to be a protected performer. Instead, some of these performances are categorized as mere "data" by the studios.This distinction is crucial, as it determines the level of protection and compensation afforded to the actors. The union argues that AI could be trained to mimic a performer's voice, facial expressions, and physical movements, effectively undermining the performers' rights and their ability to control the use of their own likenesses.

Seeking Parity with Other Entertainment Sectors

SAG-AFTRA is demanding that video game performers receive the same fundamental protections as their counterparts in film, television, streaming, and music. This includes fair compensation and the right of informed consent for the AI-driven use of their faces, voices, and bodies.According to SAG-AFTRA's National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the video game industry generates billions of dollars in profit annually, and the creative people who bring these games to life deserve the same level of respect and protection as other performers. He emphasizes that the public supports the union's stance, and that the video game studios should have learned from the lessons of the previous year's negotiations.

Negotiations Stall, Strike Begins

Despite the union's efforts, the negotiations between the actors and the video game studios have reached an impasse. The strike, authorized by a vote of more than 98% of SAG-AFTRA members last September, has now commenced at 12:01 a.m.A spokesperson for the video game companies has expressed disappointment in the union's decision to "walk away" from the negotiations, stating that the two sides had already found common ground on 24 out of 25 proposals, including historic wage increases and additional safety provisions. The companies claim their offer includes "meaningful AI protections" that require consent and fair compensation for all performers.

Industry-Wide Impact

The strike's impact will be felt across the entire video game industry, as no SAG-AFTRA actors will work on any video games until the dispute is resolved. This includes major studios such as Activision, Disney, EA, and WB Games, among others.While some games that were in production before the strike was authorized may still be worked on, the full extent of the disruption remains to be seen. The challenge lies in the fact that voice recordings are often completed well before a project is even announced, making it difficult to predict which specific games will be affected.As the industry grapples with the implications of this historic strike, the spotlight remains firmly on the ongoing battle for fair and equitable treatment of video game performers in the face of the rapidly evolving digital landscape.