The video game performers’ union of Hollywood SAG-AFTRA, has reached a gentleman’s agreement with several game companies, a move that could end its year-long strike tied to the use of artificial intelligence in video games.
Members of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) began their strike in July last year over failure to reach an agreement with top gaming companies over protections against AI. According to APNews, the union mentioned that the unregulated use of AI posed “an equal or even greater threat” to performers in the video game industry than in film or television. This is because cheap tools to create convincing digital voice replicas are now widely available.
Performers feared that unchecked AI could let game companies replace them by training software to mimic an actor’s voice or by creating a digital likeness without explicit written consent or prior notice. “Patience and persistence have resulted in a deal that puts in place the necessary AI guardrails that defend performers’ livelihoods in the AI age, alongside other important gains,” said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.
SAG-AFTRA negotiates AI protection deal with Activision, EA, and other studios
According to reports, the union was locked in negotiations with a group of gaming studios, including Activision and Electronic Arts. Others involved in the negotiation included Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Epic Games Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Take-Two Productions Inc., and WB Games Inc.
SAG-AFTRA says it expects to finalize terms to suspend its strike with these firms. Until the agreement is reached, members will stay on strike and will not do any performance or voice work. After the agreement is reached, it is expected to be approved by the SAG-AFTRA National Board, and then ratified by its union members before the strike can be suspended.
Video game performance previously went on strike in October 2016, but ended in September 2017, lasting 11 months. The strike was suspended after a deal that added bonus pay for voice and performance artists was reached.