SAG-AFTRA AI Deal Video Game Voice Actors Union

Video Game Performers Go On Strike Over AI Protections

Video game performers are downing tools today to kick off the latest round of strikes over AI implementation in the industry. The strike impacts all SAG-AFTRA actors, voice actors and motion capture actors. In addition, the strike involves companies such as Activision Blizzard, EA Games, Insomniac Games, WB Games and other leading studios.

The strike is linked to the ongoing negotiations at SAG-AFTRA over AI protections. The union has been in talks for over a year and a half now about implementing methods to project jobs from AI abuse. So far, the companies involved have failed to offer an agreement and SAG-AFTRA says its members can’t live and work with the current industry.

SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher says the union will not consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of its members. Spokesperson Audrey Cooling says the union found common ground on 24 out of 25 proposals including historic wage increases and safety provisions over AI use in the industry. However, the union has decided to walk away from the proposals.

“We are disappointed the union has chosen to walk away when we are so close to a deal, and we remain prepared to resume negotiations. We have already found common ground on 24 out of 25 proposals, including historic wage increases and additional safety provisions. Our offer is directly responsive to SAG-AFTRA’s concerns and extends meaningful AI protections that include requiring consent and fair compensation to all performers working under the IMA. These terms are among the strongest in the entertainment industry.”

SAG-AFTRA has detailed a long list of prohibited activities which members may not partake in during the strike. This means many involved parties will not be allowed to work on their current projects or take on new work until agreements have been made. This will likely affect various projects in the industry.

SAG-AFTRA has given a bit of leeway to games and projects announced at San Diego Comic Con given the convention only just kicked off. The biggest issue at play here is the use of AI in the industry and the concerns over the technology. Workers are concerned that studios will use AI to replace them and so far, we have seen multiple studios including Activision Blizzard lean towards the use of AI in game development.

Of course, the recent Activision Blizzard report was related to AI art but it still remains a major concern.

Marco is the owner and founder of GLITCHED. South Africa’s largest gaming and pop culture website. GLITCHED quickly established itself with tech and gaming enthusiasts with on-point opinions, quick coverage of breaking events and unbiased reviews across its website, social platforms, and YouTube channel.

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