Video Game Actors Strike Over Artificial Intelligence Issues

Hollywood Video Game Voice Actors Declare Strike

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The video game performers of Hollywood have announced their intention to strike, commencing at 12:01 a.m. on Friday. This decision follows the breakdown of negotiations with major game studios regarding a new contract that includes protections against artificial intelligence. This marks the second strike for video game voice and motion capture actors under the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). The ongoing conflict arises after nearly two years of negotiations with prominent gaming entities, including branches of Activision, Warner Bros., and Walt Disney Co.

While SAG-AFTRA negotiators reported progress regarding wages and workplace safety, significant disagreements remain concerning the regulation of generative AI. Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the video game producers, asserted that the studios had proposed AI protections. However, SAG-AFTRA’s negotiating team highlighted that the studios’ definition of a “performer” is critical in determining who qualifies for protection under the collective bargaining agreement. “The industry has told us point-blank that they do not necessarily consider everyone who is rendering movement performance to be a performer,” stated SAG-AFTRA Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez.

Concerns Over AI Replication and Performance Rights

Without clear guidelines, there is a considerable risk that game companies could train AI systems to replicate an actor’s voice or create a digital representation of their image without their consent or fair compensation. Rodriguez emphasized the urgency of the situation, asserting, “We strike as a matter of last resort. We have given this process absolutely as much time as we responsibly can.” In contrast, Cooling expressed disappointment, indicating that the companies had offered “meaningful AI protections” and were willing to resume negotiations.

Moreover, Andi Norris, an actor and member of the negotiating committee, argued that performers engaged in stunts or creature portrayals could still face risks under the current proposal from game companies. Norris commented, “The performers who bring their body of work to these games create a whole variety of characters, and all of that work must be covered.” He criticized the suggestion that only those performing in a way that exactly matches their appearance would be considered as “performers.”

The Financial Landscape of Video Gaming

The global video game sector is a significant economic powerhouse, generating over $100 billion annually, as stated by game market forecaster Newzoo. SAG-AFTRA highlights that the creatives who develop and animate these games are crucial to this thriving industry. Last year, union members overwhelmingly authorized leadership to call for a strike if necessary, reflecting serious concerns over AI’s implications in film and television, which contributed to a four-month strike by the union.

The previous interactive contract, which lapsed in November 2022, lacked provisions concerning AI protections but included other benefits for voice actors and performance capture artists. This came after an 11-month strike initiated in October 2016. The video game agreement encompasses more than 2,500 performers, including voice actors, motion capture artists, stunt coordinators, singers, dancers, puppeteers, and background performers.

SAG-AFTRA has also established a separate contract to cater to independent and lower-budget video game projects. This tiered-budget independent interactive media agreement includes some protective measures regarding AI that major game companies have declined to accept. Games linked to an interim interactive media agreement, tiered-budget independent interactive agreement, or interim interactive localization agreement will not be impacted by the strike.

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