Video Game Performers Strike Over AI Protections. What’s at Stake?

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The world of video games is poised for disruption as Hollywood’s video game performers announce a strike, set to begin at 12:01 a.m. Friday. This work stoppage, led by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), comes after protracted negotiations with major game studios broke down over the issue of artificial intelligence (AI) protections.

The strike, the second of its kind for video game voice actors and motion capture performers, follows nearly two years of discussions with gaming giants including Activision, Warner Bros., and Walt Disney Co. While SAG-AFTRA negotiators have made progress on wages and job safety, they remain at an impasse over AI regulation.

SAG-AFTRA Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez expressed frustration, stating that the studios' definition of “performer” is a major sticking point. The union fears that without adequate protections, game companies could use AI to replicate actors’ voices or create digital replicas of their likenesses without proper consent or compensation. “The industry has told us point-blank that they do not necessarily consider everyone who is rendering movement performance to be a performer covered by the collective bargaining agreement,” Rodriguez said.

Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the game producers, countered that the studios had offered meaningful AI protections but acknowledged that the union and studios are still at odds over specific terms. “We are disappointed the union has chosen to walk away when we are so close to a deal,” Cooling said, adding that the studios remain ready to resume negotiations.

Andi Norris, a member of SAG-AFTRA’s negotiating committee, highlighted concerns that the studios' proposal would not adequately protect performers involved in stunt work or creature performances. Norris argued that these performers, who create a range of characters in games, should be fully covered under the new contract.

The global video game industry, generating over $100 billion annually, relies heavily on these performers to bring games to life. SAG-AFTRA emphasized the critical role of these individuals in the industry’s success.

The current strike authorization follows a similar move last year by the film and television sector, which also faced disputes over AI use. The previous interactive media contract, which expired in November 2022, lacked AI protections but included a bonus structure for voice and motion capture actors following an 11-month strike starting in October 2016.

The strike affects over 2,500 performers, including voiceover and motion capture artists, stunt coordinators, and other roles. However, games covered under interim agreements or lower-budget independent contracts will not be impacted by the strike.

As negotiations continue, the industry watches closely, with the outcome potentially shaping the future of AI in gaming and performer protections.

Information is sourced from APNews.