SAG-AFTRA’s looming strike over AI rights and protections could cause major disruption in the video game industry

[Innovabble]

 

A significant disruption is on the horizon in the video gaming industry. Performers under the banner of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) are gearing up for industrial action. Following months of unfruitful negotiations over the misuse of AI, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland has issued a strike call, effective midnight on Friday, July 26.

The Central Dispute: Protections Against AI

The main point of contention in this strike is the absence of measures to protect against the use of AI. The performers are worried about the potential misuse of AI to imitate an actor’s voice or create a digital double of their appearance without their permission or adequate compensation. This issue has been a major hurdle in the discussions, with the studios reportedly refusing to extend these protections to all performers.

 

Fran Drescher, the President of SAG-AFTRA, voiced her disappointment at the studios’ position, stating, “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. When these companies get serious about offering an agreement our members can live — and work — with, we will be here, ready to negotiate.”

 

In contrast, a representative for the video game producers expressed disappointment at the union’s decision to strike, stating that they were “so close to a deal” and that they had already found common ground on 24 out of 25 proposals.

 

The looming strike has already sent ripples through the entertainment industry. This will be the second time video game voice actors and motion capture performers under SAG-AFTRA have walked off the job. The previous strike took place in 2016 and lasted for 11 months.

 

The Path Forward

The future of the strike and its impact on the video game industry are yet to be seen. However, it is clear that AI protections are a significant concern for performers and are likely to remain a contentious issue in future negotiations.

 

The global video game industry,  boasting annual profits exceeding $100 billion, now stands at a critical crossroads. The outcome of this strike could set a precedent for how the industry addresses the challenges posed by AI and its impact on performers.

 

The companies facing the strike include Activision Productions Inc., Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Llama Productions LLC, Take 2 Productions Inc., VoiceWorks Productions Inc., and WB Games Inc.

 

As the strike unfolds, the industry and the public will be watching closely to see how this critical battle over the future of work and technology plays out. What will be the ultimate impact on gamers, game development, and the broader entertainment landscape?

 

• https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/sag-aftra-calls-strike-against-major-video-game-studios-1235957116/
• https://variety.com/2024/gaming/news/sag-aftra-video-game-strike-actors-union-1236085195/
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/dbloom/2024/07/25/video-game-workers-strike-over-lack-of-ai-protections/
• https://deadline.com/2024/07/sag-aftra-strike-video-game-companies-1236020355/

 

Image: Elliott Cowand Jr. | Dreamstime.com