Movies

Video game actors are going on strike after contract talks fail over AI terms

BBG News

As a long-time movie critic with a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and its complexities, I have closely followed the developments surrounding the ongoing video game performers’ strike. Having covered numerous labor disputes in film and television over the years, I can’t help but draw parallels between the current situation and past negotiations.

Video game performers are going on strike for the second time in a decade.

On Thursday, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, national executive director and lead negotiator for SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), announced a labor action. This decision affected over thousands of actors in the video game industry whose contracts fall under the Interactive Media Agreement. The work stoppage will commence at 12:01 a.m. on Friday.

After being given the go-ahead by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists’ national board, Crabtree-Ireland could instigate a walkout approximately a week later. This decision came almost a year since union members had voted in favor of striking with an impressive majority.

On Saturday, SAG-AFTRA issued a warning that a strike could occur as soon as this week if the union and video game industry failed to reach an agreement on contract details concerning artificial intelligence use.

SAG-AFTRA’s president, Fran Drescher, made it clear that the union won’t agree to contracts permitting companies to misuse AI at the expense of their members. She emphasized, “This is not acceptable. When these corporations show genuine intent to propose agreements beneficial to our members for both living and working, we will be prepared to discuss terms.”

In November 2022, the contract for approximately 2,600 actors and artists involved in voice-overs and motion capture in the video game sector came to an end (Interactive Media Agreement).

“Audrey Cooling, representing the video game manufacturers, expressed disappointment in the union’s decision to withdraw from negotiations just as we were nearing an agreement. However, we are ready and willing to continue talks if they change their mind.”

“On 24 out of 25 proposed points, we’ve reached an agreement with SAG-AFTRA. This includes significant wage hikes and enhanced safety measures. In response to their concerns, our proposal offers robust AI protections, ensuring performers’ consent and fair compensation in all IMA projects. These terms represent some of the most favorable in the entertainment sector.”

Actors in video games are pushing for a fresh agreement that gives them approval power over the use of their voices or images being replaced by artificial intelligence (AI). They also request financial remuneration whenever AI is employed to mimic their acting, along with higher wages, additional breaks, and on-set medical care for potentially risky assignments.

In the video game business, actors involved in voice-overs claim they face unique risks from artificial intelligence because their contributions are not physically present on screen.

“Crabtree-Ireland firmly reiterated his commitment and warned against any attempt to challenge it,” (statement released on Saturday).

“Our unwavering dedication is to you, our valued members, who bring life to the contracts you work on and create the globally beloved video games. Hurry, corporations, finalize your agreements before it’s too late.”

Cooling stated that both parties were engaged in sincere discussions and highlighted the fact that they had preliminarily settled on most of the proposed terms.

“Based on that progress, we remain optimistic that a deal is within reach,” she said.

Video game actors last went on strike in October 2016, before AI was a major concern.

In the past, artists aiming for payment sought fees akin to royalties, which depended on the quantity of both physical and digital game versions being sold – much like how performers in films and television receive remuneration for their contributions.

Last year’s Hollywood actors’ strike brought up two contentious issues: residuals and AI. This prolonged labor action, which went on for 118 days, ultimately led to a deal that included salary hikes, safeguards for AI, and streaming incentives, among other advantages.

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2024-07-26 14:25

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