SAG-AFTRA is still "frustratingly far apart" from leading video game companies

SAG-AFTRA, the union representing 160,000 professionals in acting, voiceover, and media, has released an update concerning ongoing negotiations with video game developers and publishers. The union described its current position as "frustratingly far apart" from the video game companies involved.

According to a report from the union, SAG-AFTRA is attempting to close "troubling loopholes" in a proposal from a group negotiating on behalf of major game companies such as Activision, Disney Character Voices, EA, Insomniac Games, and others.

The union stated, "The bargaining group wants to make it seem like an agreement is near. That is not true. They aim to sow discord among our members. We urge you to examine our thorough updated comparison chart of AI proposals to understand the significant gap between us on essential AI safeguards for performers."

The proposal allows past performances or those sourced externally to be used without agreed-upon protections. Performers could be left uninformed about their replicas' use, unpaid, and powerless to stop it. Additionally, replicas might be used during future strikes without the performer’s consent, with no clarity on how the replicas are utilized.

Even though consensus with the negotiating group remains elusive, SAG-AFTRA acknowledged achieving "great success" with other employers, securing agreements for over 160 upcoming titles. These new agreements include protections that the union is seeking from the bargaining group, demonstrating that such terms are both viable and acceptable for various game companies.

The union emphasized the importance of verifying the status of any project before accepting roles. It advised checking projects at sagaftra.org/videogamestrike, and confirmed only those labeled as 'Let’s Play' are safe, having the necessary AI protections.

At the end of July, SAG-AFTRA voted to initiate a strike following unsuccessful negotiations addressing AI technology-related rights and protection issues.

Furthermore, reports have surfaced of two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors being replaced due to their participation in the SAG-AFTRA actions.