Video Game Performers Strike Over AI Concerns: A Standoff Between Actors and Industry Giants

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Voice and Motion-Capture Artists in Strike Action Due to AI Dispute

The community of actors working within the video game sector is initiating a strike. This Thursday, the association that speaks on behalf of voice and motion-capture artists declared their intention to cease work following the collapse of negotiations with prominent video game producers about AI security measures. The commencement of the strike is scheduled for Friday.

"Fran Drescher, the leader of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) — the union for these artists — stated firmly in an official announcement, “We refuse to approve any deal that permits corporations to exploit artificial intelligence at the expense of our constituents. The line has been drawn. Once these firms are prepared to propose a deal that our members find acceptable for both their personal and professional lives, we'll be on standby to enter discussions.”

Numerous SAG-AFTRA participants are present at Comic-Con International in San Diego, engaging in discussions and various events. Despite the timing of the strike announcement being near the event, which continues until Sunday, they are able to meet their commitments this weekend. Erika Ishii, the voice behind Dragon Age: The Veilguard, expressed her support on X, stating, "Unity. We're completing our commitments at SDCC, but post that, we stand united." The strikes in Hollywood from the previous year significantly diminished the presence of actors at Comic-Con gatherings.

For several months, there's been a growing rift concerning artificial intelligence issues between the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) members and key players in the video game industry. Talks to resolve these issues kicked off in earnest back in October 2022. By September 2023, the members had cast their votes in favor of authorizing a strike. "After a year and a half of discussions, it's clear that our employers are not aiming for fair and reasonable safeguards against AI misuse, but are instead keen on outright exploitation," expressed Sarah Elmaleh, who leads the negotiations for the Interactive Media Agreement (IMA) representing video game workers, in a public statement. "We reject this situation outright—we will not abandon any of our members, nor will we continue to wait for adequate protections."

In the realm of video gaming, performers frequently contribute their vocal talents, physical appearances, and body movements to various works. Both voice performances and motion capture technology play a pivotal role in the creation of games, even as artificial intelligence starts to alter the development process. However, despite making progress in other areas, video game developers and the Screen Actors Guild have not yet reached an agreement regarding the use of AI.

"It's disheartening to see the union decide to exit the discussions at this juncture, especially when an agreement seems near. We are still ready to continue the talks," remarked Audrey Cooling, representing the video game firms in the talks, in a comment to WIRED. The consortium engaging in these negotiations encompasses notable names like Activision, Disney, Electronic Arts, Insomniac Games, Take-Two, and Warner Bros., among other entities.

"Cooling mentioned that agreement has been reached on nearly all proposals, with 24 out of 25 items, featuring unprecedented salary raises and improved safety measures. He highlighted that their proposal addresses the concerns of SAG-AFTRA head-on, offering significant protections related to artificial intelligence which mandate approval and equitable payment for performers governed by the IMA. According to him, these conditions are some of the most robust within the entertainment sector."

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