Video Game Voice Actors Begin Strike to Protect Themselves from AI
Jul. 26, 2024Video Game Voice Actors Begin Strike to Protect Themselves from AI
Video game Voice Actorshave begun a strike as the actors’ union has failed to negotiate clauses on protection against the use of artificial intelligence, starting a work stoppage today that will affect major publishers.
The video game industry is gearing up for a strike by members ofSAG-AFTRA, the American actors’ union, which has called for a work stoppage starting today. The issue lies in the failure to negotiate acceptable protection regarding the use of artificial intelligence.
The strike affects SAG-AFTRA members involved in motion capture or voice work, which may cause delays in productions currently in development. Blindlight, for example, collaborates on The Elder Scrolls, Halo, Destiny, and Fallout, while Formosa Interactive works on Call of Duty, Death Stranding, and God of War. Virtually all narrative-driven games require the services of these companies.
“Although agreements have been reached on many important issues for SAG-AFTRA members, employers refuse to clearly and enforceably state in writing that they will protect all artists covered by this contract” concerning the potential abuse of artificial intelligence, according to SAG-AFTRA.
“Enough is enough. When these companies take seriously the idea of offering an agreement our members can live and work with, we will be here, ready to negotiate.”
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, chief negotiator, recalls that the video game industry generates billions of dollars in annual profits: “The driving force behind that success is the creative people who design and create those games. That includes SAG-AFTRA members who bring memorable and beloved game characters to life, and they deserve and demand the same fundamental protections as artists in film, television, streaming, and music: fair compensation and the right to informed consent for the use of their faces, voices, and bodies by AI.”
A spokesperson for the Interactive Media Agreement lamented that the union walked away from the talks when they were close to reaching a deal: “We have already found common ground on 24 of the 25 proposals, including historic wage increases and additional safety provisions. Our offer directly addresses SAG-AFTRA’s concerns and extends significant AI protections, including the requirement for consent and fair compensation for all artists working under IMA.”
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