Hollywood video game performers, including voice actors and motion capture artists, are set to go on strike at the end of this week on July 26. The strike comes amid growing concerns over AI protections and alleged “abuse” within the gaming industry.
Key Points:
- Strike Date: The strike is set to begin on July 26.
- Concerns: The primary issue is the lack of AI protections.
- Participants: Voice actors and motion capture artists are involved.
- Union: Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).
- Negotiation Length: Over 18 months of failed negotiations with video game publishers.
Union’s Demands
SAG-AFTRA has been negotiating for over 18 months with a group representing several major video game publishers. These firms include:
- Activision Productions
- Disney Character Voices
- Formosa Interactive
- Electronic Arts Productions
- Insomniac Games
The labor union is demanding that these firms sign contracts that offer “critical” AI protections for its members. SAG-AFTRA wants to ensure that publishers cannot make AI-generated versions of their actors’ work without their consent.
Employers’ Stance
A spokesperson representing the video game companies expressed disappointment with the strike decision. According to an NBC News report, the companies claim to have found “common ground” with the union on 24 of its 25 proposals, including wage increases and additional safety provisions. However, they have not agreed to the AI protection clauses.
Previous Strikes and Legislative Efforts
SAG-AFTRA members in film and television went on a similar strike in June 2023. This strike was also driven by concerns over AI, as entertainment firms were refusing to exclude the use of AI-generated faces and voices of SAG-AFTRA members in their work.
Union Leaders’ Statements
SAG-AFTRA’s President Fran Drescher emphasized, “We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse A.I. to the detriment of our members. Enough is enough.” She added that the union is ready to negotiate when the companies get serious about offering an agreement that members can work with.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, highlighted the importance of these actors, stating, “These actors are the driving force behind the success that enables the video game industry to generate billions of dollars in profit annually, so their rights should be upheld accordingly.” He stressed that performers in the gaming industry deserve fair compensation and the right of informed consent for the AI use of their faces, voices, and bodies.
Criticism and Legislative Action
IMANC’s Chair Sarah Elmaleh criticized the entertainment companies for their lack of compromise on AI clauses, accusing them of attempting “flagrant exploitation.”
In response to these issues, California lawmaker Ash Kalra introduced a bill to protect actors, artists, and entertainers from AI by mandating employment contracts to include informed consent for digital replicates. An amended version of the bill passed in the California Senate on July 2, though it has not yet become law.
Conclusion
The strike by Hollywood video game performers underscores a significant and ongoing debate about the use of AI in the entertainment industry. As the industry continues to evolve, the outcome of these negotiations and legislative efforts will likely set important precedents for the future of AI and performer rights.
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