Hollywood's video game actors strive to avert a strike, but negotiations have hit a snag over artificial intelligence (AI). For over a year and a half, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has been negotiating with game companies for pay hikes and workplace safety.
However, the negotiations have stalled because they can not agree on how AI should be used in their contracts.
The SAG-AFTRA building, home to the US labor union that represents film and television actors, singers, and other performers, is seen in Los Angeles, California, on July 13, 2023. (Photo : CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images)
Negotiations Between Hollywood's Video Game Actors, Game Companies Stalled Over AI Concerns
The SAG-AFTRA has been in discussions with video game companies for over 18 months to renew their contract, focusing on wages and workplace safety. However, the Associated Press reported that talks have stalled primarily due to disagreements over safeguards concerning AI use.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA's executive director, said AI protection remains the primary hurdle preventing an agreement. He noted that ensuring equal safety measures for all members amid AI advancements has been a longstanding negotiation challenge.
In certain scenarios, AI voices are frequently employed covertly in post-production to refine recordings or alter a character's age at different stages of their digital existence. Union leaders are concerned that such practices could replace human performers without notification or re-engagement.
The union has retained the option of calling a strike a final recourse in its negotiations. While preferring to avoid a work stoppage, it is ready to take decisive action to secure fair treatment for its members. Crabtree-Ireland emphasized that anyone underestimating the union's readiness to strike is mistaken.
In September, SAG-AFTRA members voted to authorize their leaders to strike against video game companies. Concerns surrounding AI's potential impact on job security were a significant factor behind the union's four-month strike last year.
Scott Lambright, an actor experienced in voicing creatures and non-player characters for games, expressed worries about AI's role in potentially reducing job opportunities and diminishing the artistic quality of vocal performances.
He noted that emotional performances could become superficial with AI involvement. Lambright said AI could also deny actors the chance to get smaller background roles, such as NPCs, where they can refine their craft before landing more prominent roles.
The previous interactive contract, finalized in 2017, did not address AI-related concerns. As the union stated, it covered over 2,500 performers, including voiceover artists, motion capture actors, stunt performers, singers, dancers, puppeteers, and background actors.
SAG-AFTRA noted that while the bargaining group representing major video game producers is open to implementing protections for voice actors, they are reluctant to extend these safeguards to other performers, such as stunt workers and motion capture artists.
Among the video game companies included in the interactive contract are Activision Productions Inc., Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Take 2 Productions Inc., VoiceWorks Productions Inc., and WB Games Inc.
