Video game voice over and performance actors are going on strike over the use of AI in video game development, SAG-AFTRA has announced.
As of 12:01 AM on July 26, members of the union will strike after more than 18 months of negotiations between the union and game studios under the Interactive Media Agreement (IMA). It was just on July 22 that the union national director was given authorization to call for an immediate strike after negotiations continued to stall.
The sticking point of the current negotiations that ultimately led to this strike were AI protections for voice over and performance actors. According to members of the negotiating committee on behalf of the actors, they believe that game studios don’t want to protect their actors against the possible exploitation that exists with AI.
“We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse A.I. to the detriment of our members. Enough is enough. When these companies get serious about offering an agreement our members can live — and work — with, we will be here, ready to negotiate,” stated SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher via release.
“Frankly, it’s stunning that these video game studios haven’t learned anything from the lessons of last year – that our members can and will stand up and demand fair and equitable treatment with respect to A.I., and the public supports us in that,” SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said.
In response to the call for a strike by SAG-AFTRA, the video game producers involved in the IMA negotiations released the following statement via spokesperson Audrey Cooling to Insider Gaming.
“We are disappointed the union has chosen to walk away when we are so close to a deal, and we remain prepared to resume negotiations. We have already found common ground on 24 out of 25 proposals, including historic wage increases and additional safety provisions. Our offer is directly responsive to SAG-AFTRA’s concerns and extends meaningful AI protections that include requiring consent and fair compensation to all performers working under the IMA. These terms are among the strongest in the entertainment industry.”
Game developers need to strike too they’re being treated unjustly and are forced to work in horrible conditions for minimal pay and no benefits not to mention higher costs or living and no job security. They need to unionize and then strike!
AI is the future honestly animation, dubs, and games should all start using AI for voice acting it would cut costs. Same with development it would help us finally get the quality of games consumers want at an affordable price for companies.