SAG-AFTRA Declares Strike Against Major Gaming Companies Over AI Protections

SAG-AFTRA, the actors' guild representing voice and motion-capture performers in the video game industry, has announced a strike against major gaming companies that began on Friday.

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has announced a strike against major video game companies, effective Friday, over the use of AI to replicate performers’ voices and likenesses without their consent.

SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ guild representing voice and motion-capture performers in the video game industry, announced the strike on Thursday, following months of failed negotiations for a new labor contract, with AI protections emerging as the primary point of contention.

The strike will impact major players in the gaming industry, including Activision, Electronic Arts (EA), Warner Bros. Games, Disney, and Take-Two Interactive, as well as voiceover production companies Formosa Interactive and VoiceWorks Productions.

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher highlighted the union’s stance in a statement: “We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse A.I. to the detriment of our members.”

According to the guild, an agreement was reached on most elements of the Interactive Media Agreement (IMA), with the use of AI technology to replicate performers’ voices and likenesses remaining the sole outstanding issue.

This concern is particularly pressing for voice actors, who rely heavily on video game work as a significant source of income.

The timing of the strike announcement coincides with San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2024, prompting SAG-AFTRA to make an exception for performers scheduled to appear at the event to discuss video game projects.

This exemption will allow members to attend the convention to fulfill their prior commitments, while also sharing information about the strike with attendees.

In response to the strike announcement, a spokesperson for the video game producers expressed disappointment, stating that common ground had been found on 24 out of 25 proposals.

The producers’ offer reportedly includes wage increases, additional safety provisions, and AI protections requiring consent and fair compensation for performers working under the IMA.

SAG-AFTRA’s decision to strike comes nearly a year after its members authorized such action during the 118-day TV/theatrical contract strike in 2023.

The union maintains that despite the video game industry’s substantial profits, performers deserve the same fundamental protections as those in film, television, streaming, and music.

To minimize the impact on employment opportunities, SAG-AFTRA will offer interim agreements to game studios wishing to employ union talent.

These agreements will include the same terms last offered to IMA signatories, notably the critical AI protections for members.

This marks the second SAG-AFTRA video game strike in recent years, following an 11-month strike in 2016-2017 over residuals.

The duration of the current strike is yet to be determined, but if past experiences serve as an indication, it could be a protracted negotiation process.

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