SAG-AFTRA video game performers are going on strike
As a long-time fan and supporter of the video game industry, I am deeply saddened by the upcoming strike announced by SAG-AFTRA representing over 2,500 video game performers. For almost two years, these talented individuals have been negotiating for fair and reasonable protections against the use of artificial intelligence in video games, especially regarding the unrestricted use of their likenesses and voices.
On Thursday, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists declared that around 2,500 video game actors (consisting of voice artists, motion capture performers, and more) will commence a strike beginning July 26 at midnight. This decision comes after almost two years of bargaining with significant video game corporations.
In the news statement, it’s revealed that the major stumbling block in the negotiations is the unlimited application of artificial intelligence. Performers in video games are advocating for safeguards regarding the utilization of their physical appearances and vocal expressions.
After 18 months of talks, it’s clear that our employers are unwilling to provide fair and reasonable A.I. protections, instead opting for blatant exploitation, as stated by Sarah Elmaleh, chair of SAG-AFTRA’s interactive media committee and voice actor in “Hi-Fi Rush.” We reject this pattern of behavior – we will not abandon any of our members, nor will we continue to wait for adequate protection.
A number of video game manufacturing firms, such as Activision, Electronic Arts, Insomniac Games, Take-Two Productions, WB Games, and others, are currently in talks with SAG-AFTRA regarding an agreement. However, if the strike commences on Friday, video game actors will cease their work, resulting in no further recording sessions for games. Audrey Cooling, representing the video game industry in the Interactive Media Agreement negotiations, expressed disappointment towards the union’s decision to strike “on the brink of a deal” in a statement to TopMob.
Here’s the full statement:
The union’s decision to withdraw from negotiations is disappointing, as we have made significant progress towards a deal, with agreements reached on 24 out of 25 proposals. These include substantial wage increases and enhanced safety measures. Our proposal addresses SAG-AFTRA’s concerns and includes advanced AI protections that ensure performers’ consent and fair compensation under the IMA. These terms represent some of the most favorable in the entertainment industry.
According to The Washington Post, the main concern surrounding AI seems to revolve around safeguarding the rights of video game performers who record their movements for on-screen displays, such as motion capture artists.
SAG-AFTRA’s executive director, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, stated in an interview with The Post last month that while they advocate for protecting the rights of voiceover performers, they don’t extend that protection to others. In simpler terms, he emphasized that if you have anyone working for you in creating content, be it through voiceovers, stunts, or motion work, they all deserve fair compensation and informed consent for the use of their image, likeness, or performance.
During the strike, voice actors and those under SAG-AGTRA’s Interactive Media Agreement can continue working on projects with updated contracts that provide essential A.I. protections for members, according to SAG-AGTRA. The specific contract used depends on the nature of the project being hired for.
Video game performers last went on strike in 2016 in a work stoppage that lasted nearly a year.
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2024-07-26 00:18