Actors in the video game industry have decided to go on strike. The union representing voice and motion-capture performers, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), made the announcement after negotiations with major video game companies hit a roadblock over concerns about AI protections. The strike is scheduled to begin on Friday.
“We’re not going to agree to a contract that allows companies to misuse AI to the disadvantage of our members,” said Fran Drescher, the president of SAG-AFTRA. “When these companies are ready to offer a fair agreement that our members can accept, we will be here, ready to negotiate.”
Some members of SAG-AFTRA are currently at Comic-Con International in San Diego for panels and appearances. They will fulfill their commitments at the event this weekend before joining the strike. Tensions over AI between SAG members and major video game companies have been escalating for months, with negotiations starting in October 2022 and a vote to authorize a strike taking place in September 2023.
Voice acting and motion capture are integral parts of game development, but the use of AI in the industry has sparked disagreements between actors and companies. Despite progress on other issues, a consensus on AI protections has not been reached.
The companies involved in the negotiations, including Activision, Disney, Electronic Arts, Insomniac Games, Take-Two, and Warner Bros., expressed disappointment over the strike decision. They stated that they were close to reaching a deal and are ready to resume negotiations. The companies claim that they have already agreed on 24 out of 25 proposals, offering historic wage increases and additional safety measures. They also highlighted that their offer includes strong AI protections, such as requiring consent and fair compensation for performers under the Interactive Media Agreement.
The strike announcement comes after months of failed negotiations and a growing frustration among SAG members over the lack of adequate AI protections in their contracts. The decision to walk off the job reflects the actors’ commitment to standing up for their rights and ensuring fair treatment in the rapidly evolving video game industry. It remains to be seen how the strike will impact upcoming game releases and the future of AI integration in video game development.
