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Video Game Actors Are Going on Strike. Here’s Why

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Video Game Actors Are Going on Strike. Here’s Why

(As a seasoned movie reviewer with over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry, I’ve seen my fair share of labor disputes and strikes. And let me tell you, the ongoing video game performers’ strike is one that hits close to home for me.

In Los Angeles, representatives of video game actors announced a decision to walk out on Thursday due to the collapse of contract talks with major gaming companies lasting almost two years, primarily concerning the implementation of artificial intelligence in performances.

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but feel deeply concerned about the ongoing labor dispute between the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the industry. For performers like me, this issue is nothing short of an existential crisis.

In simpler terms, the union warns that the unchecked application of AI in video game production may pose an equally, or even more significant risk to actors compared to film and TV, due to the accessibility of creating authentic-sounding digital replicas of performers’ voices.

“SAG-AFTRA’s president, Fran Drescher, declared on Wednesday that the union won’t agree to contracts permitting companies to harm their members through AI misuse. Enough is enough. Once these companies present fair agreements for our members to thrive in, SAG-AFTRA will be prepared to discuss terms.”

Here are five things to know about the strike, which starts at 12:01 a.m. Friday:

Who is covered under the contract?

Approximately 2,500 “off-screen voice actors, on-screen performers (motion capture, stunts), stunt coordinators, vocalists, dancers, puppeteers, and extras” are included in the contract, as stated by SAG-AFTRA.

Which game companies are involved?

The labor union held talks with a bargaining association comprised of video game companies, among which were branches of Activision and Electronic Arts. Specifically, this group included the entities: Activision Productions, Blindlight, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts Productions, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Games, Take 2 Productions, VoiceWorks Productions, and WB Games. (Alternatively, these could be referred to as the affiliated video game companies under Activision and Electronic Arts.)

Game companies reportedly expressed sincere intentions during negotiations and almost finalized deals on most proposals.

Not the first time video game actors have gone on strike

On Wednesdays, SAG-AFTRA’s video game performers initiated their second labor action. In 2016, their first work stoppage transpired after extended negotiations between the union and video game companies yielded no agreement. It took until September 2017 for them to reach a tentative deal. At that time, this strike – which brought about a bonus compensation system for voice actors and performance artists – held the record as the longest in SAG-AFTRA’s history, following their merger in 2012.

What are performers asking for?

SAG-AFTRA has identified several major concerns, such as ensuring wages adjust with inflation, safeguards against the misuse of artificial intelligence, and workplace safety measures addressing both physical and vocal pressures. According to union representatives speaking with The Associated Press, progress has been made on wage and job safety matters. However, game studios have reportedly declined to offer equivalent AI protection for all members.

The signatory companies refused to extend AI protections to on-camera performers, the union said.

“Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s executive director, stated in a recent interview that while they will advocate for voiceover performers’ protection, no other group is guaranteed the same. Essentially, if you employ performers to create content for your game, be it voiceovers or stunts, they are entitled to know and be compensated fairly for the use of their image, likeness, or performance.”

AI is the sticking point

In discussions, the concern over unrestrained artificial intelligence usage has been a contentious issue. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean voice actors and union representatives are opposed to AI. Instead, they express apprehension about the potential consequences of unchecked AI use. Their primary fear is that game developers could replace human performers by creating AI-generated voices or digital likenesses without consent.

Another perspective is that AI might take away opportunities for less skilled actors to start in minor roles like non-player characters, which they often use as stepping stones towards bigger parts. Overuse of AI could also raise ethical concerns if performers’ voices or appearances are utilized to generate content that goes against their moral principles without their consent.

In February, SAG-AFTRA introduced a new contract for independent and lower-budget video game productions, which is distinct from their standard agreement. This contract, known as the tiered-budget independent interactive media agreement, includes certain protections related to Artificial Intelligence that were previously turned down by the video game industry negotiating body.

In January, the union reached an additional agreement with Replica Studios, an AI voice company. This deal allows major film studios to collaborate with union actors to create and license digital versions of their voices. Moreover, it provides performers with the option to refuse consent for the use of their voices indefinitely.

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2024-07-26 00:06

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