The Union of Hollywood video game performers has secured tentative agreements with multiple video game companies, potentially bringing an end to a nearly year-long strike concerning the use of artificial intelligence.
Screen Actor Member Guild American Television and Radio Artists Federation has reached an agreement after negotiations that ceased in July 2024, putting a stop to artificial intelligence protections by the gaming giant.
SAG-AFTRA articulated that the unregulated application of AI poses a “comparable or even greater threat” to video game performers than that seen in film and television, given the widespread ability to create authentic digital replicas of performers’ voices.
Performers expressed concerns that the unchecked utilization of AI could allow game developers to replace them, training AI to replicate actors’ voices or generating digital likenesses without their permission.
“Through patience and persistence, along with other vital benefits, we’ve achieved an agreement that establishes necessary AI safeguards to protect performers’ livelihoods in the AI era,” SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland stated.
The union has been in negotiations with a group of industry representatives from various signatory video game companies, including divisions of Activision and Electronic Arts. This group encompasses companies such as Activision Productions Inc., Blanklight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Epic Games Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Take 2 Productions Inc., and WB Games Inc.
SAG-AFTRA indicated that the terms of the proposed strike suspension agreement will be confirmed promptly with the companies. Members will continue their strike until the agreement is finalized.
Interim contract agreements require approval from the National Committee and ratification by members.
The performers had previously gone on strike in October 2016, but reached an interim deal in September 2017, 11 months later. This previous strike ensured a bonus compensation structure for audio stars and performance capture artists.
Source: apnews.com