Voice Actors Unite: Striking for AI Protections Now

The video game industry is currently facing a significant disruption as voice and motion-capture actors, represented by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), have gone on strike. This move comes after nearly two years of negotiations with major video game companies failed to yield an agreement on AI protections.

The strike was officially announced after talks with major video game companies broke down, and it began on Friday. Fran Drescher, the president of SAG-AFTRA, emphasized that the union will not agree to a contract that allows companies to misuse AI to the detriment of its members. The union is demanding fair and reasonable AI protections, which have been a point of contention throughout the negotiations.

Tensions over AI have been high for months, with negotiations starting in October 2022. Members voted to authorize a strike in September 2023, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Voice acting and motion-capture are crucial parts of game development, and the inability to reach an agreement on AI-related issues has left both sides at an impasse.

The video game companies involved, including Activision, Disney, Electronic Arts, and others, expressed disappointment over the union's decision to strike. They claim to have found common ground on most proposals and offered meaningful AI protections, including requiring consent and fair compensation for performers. However, SAG-AFTRA argues that these protections are insufficient and do not adequately address the potential exploitation of performers through AI technologies.

The global video game industry generates well over $100 billion in profit annually, according to game market forecaster Newzoo. The people who design and bring those games to life are the driving force behind that success, and SAG-AFTRA is advocating for their rights in the face of evolving technology.

As the strike unfolds, it raises important questions about the future of AI in gaming and the rights of performers. The union's demands for AI protections are not just about fair compensation; they also encompass the right of informed consent regarding the use of their likenesses and voices in AI-generated content.

In conclusion, the strike by video game voice actors and motion-capture performers highlights the ongoing challenges and negotiations related to AI in the video game industry. As the industry continues to evolve with advancements in AI, it is crucial to establish fair and reasonable protections for performers to ensure their rights and livelihoods are safeguarded.

For more information on the intersection of AI and the video game industry, check out these resources: Video Game Industry, Voice Actors Strike, , , and SAG-AFTRA.

This article serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the rights of performers in an industry that is rapidly changing due to technological advancements. The outcome of this strike could set a precedent for how AI is integrated into the creative processes of the video game industry and beyond.