The video game industry faces potential upheaval as SAG-AFTRA, the union representing voice actors and performance artists, has authorized a strike against major game developers. This article explores the conflict over fair labor practices and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in the industry.
SAG-AFTRA Authorizes Strike: A Fight for AI Protections
SAG-AFTRA's Announcement
On July 20th, SAG-AFTRA's National Board unanimously authorized its National Executive Director to call a strike if necessary. This action targets all services under the Interactive Media Agreement (IMA), meaning all SAG-AFTRA members would cease work on affected projects. The central issue is securing crucial AI protections for performers.
National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland stated the union's unwavering resolve, highlighting the overwhelming 98%+ member vote authorizing a strike unless employers address key concerns, especially regarding AI. He emphasized the importance of protecting the actors whose performances are vital to the success of popular video games.
Key Issues and Industry Impact
The potential strike stems from concerns about the unregulated use of AI in voice acting and performance capture. Currently, no safeguards exist to prevent AI replication of actors' likenesses without compensation or clear guidelines. SAG-AFTRA seeks fair compensation and defined usage rights for AI applications of actors' work.
Beyond AI, the union is demanding wage increases to match inflation (11% retroactive increase and 4% increases in subsequent years), improved on-set safety measures (including mandated rest periods, on-site medics for hazardous work, vocal stress protections, and eliminating stunt work in self-taped auditions).
A strike could significantly impact video game development, although the exact extent is uncertain. Unlike film and television, video game production timelines are longer. While a strike might slow development, the impact on release dates is unclear.
Companies Involved and Their Responses
The potential strike affects ten major companies:
⚫︎ Activision Productions Inc.
⚫︎ Blindlight LLC
⚫︎ Disney Character Voices Inc.
⚫︎ Electronic Arts Productions Inc.
⚫︎ Epic Games, Inc.
⚫︎ Formosa Interactive LLC
⚫︎ Insomniac Games Inc.
⚫︎ Take 2 Productions Inc.
⚫︎ VoiceWorks Productions Inc.
⚫︎ WB Games Inc.
Epic Games has publicly supported SAG-AFTRA's position, with CEO Tim Sweeney stating his opposition to game companies obtaining AI training rights from voice recording sessions. Other companies have yet to release official statements.
Negotiation History and Context
This conflict began in September 2023 when SAG-AFTRA sought member authorization for a strike before contract negotiations. The overwhelming support (98.32%) underscores the urgency of the issue. Negotiations have stalled, despite extending the previous contract (expired November 2022).
The current situation is reminiscent of the 2016 strike, which lasted 340 days and ended with a compromise deemed unsatisfactory by many members. A January 2024 deal with Replica Studios, an AI voice provider, further fueled internal tensions, adding complexity to the ongoing negotiations.
The authorized strike represents a crucial moment in the fight for fair labor practices in the gaming industry. The outcome will shape the future of AI in performance capture and the treatment of video game performers. The rapid advancement of AI necessitates strong protections for human talent, ensuring AI enhances, not replaces, human creativity. A swift resolution addressing the union's concerns is crucial.
