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Video game performers move closer to strike as SAG-AFTRA negotiations stall over AI

BBG News

As a long-time video game performer, I have dedicated my career to bringing life and emotion to the characters we all love. But now, our livelihoods are at risk as we face the possibility of another strike due to the lack of progress in contract negotiations with the video game companies.

Actors in video games are getting nearer to staging a strike, as the performers’ union SAG-AFTRA and major video game corporations continue intense negotiations over the conditions of contracts concerning artificial intelligence.

Over the weekend, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) revealed that its national board has given its executive director and lead negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the power to initiate a strike if no agreement is reached with the corporations by an undetermined deadline.

Approximately one year ago, over 30,000 union members cast their votes in favor of a potential strike, reaching a remarkable 98% approval rate, during contract negotiations for a new Interactive Media Agreement.

The agreement ended in November 2022 and encompasses approximately 2,600 artists who provide voiceovers and motion-capture performances in the video game sector.

“Our resolve is unwavering and should not be tested,” Crabtree-Ireland said in a statement.

“Our dedication remains strong towards our contract workers, whose exceptional efforts bring life to the globe’s favorite video games. The window of opportunity is narrowing for businesses to reach an agreement.”

The Crabtree-Ireland team advocated strongly for video game companies to make substantial concessions for actors, with a focus on advancements in the use of artificial intelligence. Actors argue that they face unique challenges when it comes to AI technology due to their specialization in voice recordings.

The Times has reached out to a spokesperson for the game companies for comment.

About a year ago, SAG-AFTRA made this recent decision following a lengthy strike by TV and film actors that continued for 118 days. The issue of AI (Artificial Intelligence) was a significant point of contention during that labor negotiation.

The last time game actors went on strike was in October 2016.

Game industry employees are pushing for an agreement that gives them approval over the use of AI to recreate their voices or visual representations in video games. Additionally, they aim to receive payment whenever such technology is employed to mimic their acting.

Furthermore, the artists seek higher wages to match inflation rates, extra breaks, and on-site medical personnel for handling stunts and risky tasks.

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2024-07-23 01:01

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