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Striking video game actors hit picket lines over AI: ‘The human element is irreplaceable’

BBG News

As a seasoned video game actor who has voiced iconic characters and given life to digital worlds for over two decades, I stand firmly behind my fellow performers who are bravely striking against the video game industry. The fight for fair treatment and recognition of our intellectual property is not just about wages or rest time; it’s about respecting the irreplaceable human element in an increasingly AI-driven world.

A sense of familiarity arose in Burbank last Thursday, as it mirrored an event from a year ago, when numerous video game actors waved protest signs and walked in procession outside the Warner Bros. studio lot, similar to how their film and television counterparts had done so.

As a seasoned veteran in the entertainment industry, I’ve seen my fair share of labor disputes and strikes over the years. But this recent action by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is particularly close to my heart, given my extensive experience in voice acting and motion-capture work for video games. This week, SAG-AFTRA held its first picket since calling a strike on behalf of over 2,600 performers like myself who are working tirelessly to bring our talents to life in this rapidly growing industry.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I found myself joining the mass exodus on Friday evening, a decision that arose from the unfortunate breakdown of talks between our union and the gaming industry titans regarding AI-related apprehensions.

At a demonstration, Sarah Elmaleh, head of the union’s negotiation team, stated that companies approach us seeking information on how heroes sound, what they appear like, and what actions they take. We will demonstrate this to them.

Last week, Audrey Cooling, a representative from the video game company, expressed her disappointment to The Times over the union’s decision to withdraw from negotiations, stating that they are ready and willing to continue discussions.

Since the 2022 expiration of their contract, SAG-AFTRA has been negotiating with video game companies over a fresh agreement encompassing interactive media. Actors in these games have called for regulations regarding AI, wage hikes to match inflation rates, additional rest periods, and improved medical care for potentially dangerous roles.

Nearly two years later, the remaining issue at the heart of the strike is AI.

The artists aim to negotiate an agreement ensuring that video game creators inform them if they intend to use their voice, actions, or appearance in artificial intelligence, disclose the intended usage, secure their approval prior to implementation, and remunerate them appropriately for this use.

“Chris Jai Alex, well-known video game actor for his roles as Tusk in ‘Killer Instinct’ and Strife in ‘Darksiders Genesis,’ stated that it’s acceptable to use AI as a tool, so long as it’s not being used as a substitute.”

“I’m all about being efficient, but … the human element is irreplaceable.”

LeQuan Bennett, well-known for his role as the voice of Captain Trent in “Return to Monkey Island,” expressed his opinion that an actor’s physical appearance, actions, and vocal performances should be considered as their personal intellectual assets when discussing business deals with video game creators.

In simpler terms, Bennett explained that, given his technical background, it’s clear that artificial intelligence (AI) won’t be halted. However, he and others are working hard to establish safeguards to ensure our fundamental rights are preserved.

Actors involved in video game production contend that they face unique risks from artificial intelligence due to the intangible aspects of voice acting and motion capture. Their concern lies in situations where a company might utilize AI to mimic their voices or movements without consent or remuneration, making it challenging for them to prove any wrongdoing.

In her words, studios along with developers are attempting to assert that if a character’s voice resembles yours and your usual speech pattern, then there should be discussions about protection. Alejandra Reynoso, an actor famed for voicing characters in “Dota 2” and “Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin,” made this statement.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of video games, I can confidently say that the ability of performers and actors to bring multiple characters to life is truly captivating. Through my personal journey, I have witnessed the magic they weave, transforming into different personas with such conviction and authenticity that it’s hard not to become enamored with their craft. The versatility and dedication these individuals demonstrate in their work make them an indispensable part of the gaming experience for many of us.

A key priority for actor Seth Allyn Austin, known for his roles in “The Last of Us Part II,” “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order,” and Insomniac’s “Spider-Man” series, is ensuring he is well-informed about the use of his performances. He, along with other performers, aim to verify that game developers’ intentions match their personal values before granting permission to reproduce their work.

Austin remarked, “This is one of the initial instances where I’ve observed coordinated effort, acrobatics, vocal performances, and acting talent seamlessly blend into a unified whole.” He added, “We’re each shouldering distinct responsibilities in the same struggle.”

During the resolution of the film and television actors’ strike, AI became a significant issue. The new contract stipulated that studios must secure performers’ approval and remunerate them if they replicate an actor’s work using AI. However, some actors voiced concerns about this arrangement, claiming the protections for AI were insufficiently robust.

“Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA national executive director and lead negotiator, has been consistently refining our AI policies since the previous year’s strike,” he stated. “It’s clear that some SAG-AFTRA members wish for no AI at all. I empathize with this sentiment. However, we cannot manufacture a world without it.”

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2024-08-04 18:16

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