Video game voice actors and motion capture performers have gone on strike for the second time in a decade.
"It's really important to me for our entire community, movement and voice, that we get the A.I. protections we need to continue to be able to do this work that we all love so much." – #SagAftraMember @ashly_burch
Learn more about the #VideoGameStrike: https://t.co/ob855yNcHq. pic.twitter.com/Gi408HmGC3
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) July 27, 2024
The strike began on Friday morning after a year and a half of negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and major video game companies failed to reach an agreement. The main point of contention is artificial intelligence protections.
Longtime #SagAftraMember @shannonwoodward wants to talk about tiered-budget agreements! Not only do these agreements help games of any budget get made, but they also offer performers the A.I. protections they deserve. Check it out at https://t.co/ob855yNcHq. #VideoGameStrike pic.twitter.com/iRUfUilKxq
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) July 27, 2024
SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher said, “We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse A.I. to the detriment of our members.”
The gaming companies claim they have offered strong AI terms, but the two sides remain at odds.
BREAKING: SAG-AFTRA video game voice/performance actors are going on strike at midnight tonight. Basically over 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." – AG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher pic.twitter.com/MiiATQiHtq
— Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo) July 25, 2024
Voice actors and motion capture performers worry that without proper safeguards, video game companies could use their work to train AI models that might replace their labor. This could also impact young performers trying to break into the industry.
BREAKING: Video game performers represented by SAG-AFTRA have agreed to go on strike citing concerns about the looming threat of AI.
I'm covering for @NBCNews here and will update the story soon: https://t.co/8Mocq6xTHh
— Kalhan (@KalhanR) July 25, 2024
Actors strike over AI protections
SAG-AFTRA has collaborated with an AI company before, so they are not inherently against AI. However, they want to prevent potential abuses.
In 2016, SAG-AFTRA’s gaming workers went on strike for almost a year over issues like bonuses, royalties, and worker safety. This new strike focuses more on rapidly developing technology. It is unclear how long it will take for the two sides to reach an agreement.
The strike highlights the growing concerns in the entertainment industry about the impact of AI on jobs and fair compensation.
Cameron is a highly regarded contributor in the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. His articles delve into the theoretical underpinnings of AI, the practical applications of machine learning across industries, ethical considerations of autonomous systems, and the societal impacts of these disruptive technologies.
