Video Game Performers Prepare to Strike Over AI Concerns
Hollywood's video game performers to strike over AI concerns. Negotiations stall over AI regulations in the video game industry. Concerns raised over fair treatment and protection for all performers in video games.
This impending strike, the second for video game voice actors and motion capture performers under the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, is scheduled to start at 12:01 a.m. on Friday.
The negotiations for a new interactive media agreement were unable to progress after nearly two years of extensive discussions with gaming titans, including the gaming divisions of Activision, Warner Bros., and Walt Disney Co. Although progress has been made in the areas of wage and employment safety, the regulatory deadlock regarding generative AI continues.
The studios' proposed AI protections are acknowledged by SAG-AFTRA negotiators; however, disagreements persist regarding the definition of a "performer." The industry's stance, as stated by Ray Rodriguez, Chief Contracts Officer of SAG-AFTRA, suggests that not all individuals involved in movement performance are considered covered performers under the collective bargaining agreement. Some physical performances are regarded as mere "data."
Without defined boundaries, gaming firms may use AI to replicate an actor's voice or create digital duplicates of their likeness without their approval or fair remuneration, the union warned. Despite the studios' unhappiness with the strike decision, the union stressed the need of this action as a final resort after exhausting all other options.
Andi Norris, a member of the union's bargaining committee, emphasised the hazards associated in stunt or creature performances under the present offer from gaming developers. The union emphasised the need of including all types of performing work in video games to provide equitable treatment and protection for all parties involved.
The worldwide video game industry's significant profits, which approach $100 billion yearly, highlight the importance of the individuals who contribute to its success. Last year, members gave leadership the authority to strike, citing concerns about movie studios' use of artificial intelligence. The last interactive contract, which terminated in November 2022, lacked AI protections but did incorporate a bonus compensation scheme for voice performers and performance capture artists after an 11-month strike in 2016.
In response to the ongoing negotiations, SAG-AFTRA issued a second contract in February that covers independent and low-budget video game projects, including several AI protections that larger industry participants have rejected. The imminent strike does not affect games played under this separate agreement.
Hollywood's video game performers to strike over AI concerns
Negotiations stall over AI regulations in the video game industry
Concerns raised over fair treatment and protection for all performers in video games
Source: AP NEWS