Major video game companies like Activision, Warner Bros, and Walt Disney face a strike from Hollywood actors over the use of artificial intelligence (AI). This follows a year and a half of negotiations for a new contract between these companies and a union representing over 2,500 video game performers.
While both sides have agreed on several important issues such as wages and job safety, disagreements over AI technology protections remain a significant obstacle. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Sag-Aftra) has called for the strike, reminiscent of the previous strike that halted Hollywood productions last year.
Performers are concerned that gaming studios might use generative AI to replicate their voices and likenesses for video game characters without fair compensation. Sag-Aftra stated, “Although agreements have been reached on many issues, employers refuse to clearly commit in enforceable terms to protecting performers in their AI provisions.”
The video game studios argue they have already made significant concessions. Audrey Cooling, spokesperson for the ten video game producers negotiating with Sag-Aftra, said, “We are disappointed that the union chose to walk away when we were close to a deal. Our offer addresses Sag-Aftra’s concerns with substantial AI protections, including consent and fair compensation for all performers under the [Interactive Media Agreement].”
This agreement pertains to artists involved in voiceover and on-camera work for video game characters. The previous deal, which lacked AI protections, was set to expire in November 2022 but has been extended monthly as talks continue.
Last year, TV and film actors in the US secured $1 billion (£790 million) in new pay and benefits, including AI usage safeguards, after a strike led by Sag-Aftra. That 118-day strike, the longest in the union’s history, severely impacted film and TV production and cost California’s economy over $6.5 billion, according to Deadline.