Video game actors go on strike over AI, with SAG-AFTRA saying companies only interested in "flagrant exploitation"
SAG-AFTRA and game companies have failed to reach an agreement on the use of generative AI in the industry. As a result, voice actors will go on strike starting at 12:01 a.m. today.
As SAG-AFTRA explained on its official website, it has been negotiating with companies for over 18 months. Last September, the guild unanimously approved the strike, hoping to eventually reach an agreement. However, the generative AI topic became a stumbling block.
“Our members’ work and likenesses are being exploited by artificial intelligence, and video game companies have refused to plainly affirm, in clear and enforceable language, that they will protect all performers covered by this contract in their AI language,” the guild said in its FAQ on the strike.
During the strike, SAG-AFTRA members won’t work with game companies involved in the Interactive Media Agreement negotiations. The list of studios includes:
- Activision Productions Inc.;
- Blindlight LLC;
- Disney Character Voices Inc.;
- Electronic Arts Productions Inc.;
- Formosa Interactive LLC;
- Insomniac Games Inc.;
- Llama Productions LLC;
- Take 2 Productions Inc.;
- VoiceWorks Productions Inc.;
- WB Games Inc.
Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the game companies, told Bloomberg that “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.”
She noted that the studios and actors have agreed on 24 out of 25 items on the negotiated deal, including “historic” wage increases and additional safety measures. Although companies pledged to seek actors’ consent when using AI technology, the parties couldn’t come to a compromise on this issue.
Sarah Elmaleh, chair of the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee, stated that game companies “are not interested in fair, reasonable AI protections, but rather flagrant exploitation.” SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher added that “we’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of our member.”
UPDATE: Equity, the UK’s trade union for the performing arts and entertainment industries, has expressed solidarity with their US colleagues. The organization didn’t join the strike, but said “we stand shoulder to shoulder with SAG-AFTRA as partners in a global fight to secure fair pay and protect our members’ rights, which could not be more urgent as we move forward with artificial intelligence innovation.”
