SAG-AFTRA Calls for AI Protections in Video Game Industry

SAG-AFTRA's Strike Against Video Game Companies: A Fight for AI Protections and Fair Compensation

SAG-AFTRA, the actors' and broadcasters' union, has initiated a strike against major video game companies, including industry giants like Activision and Electronic Arts. This action, effective July 26th, follows over a year of stalled negotiations, primarily centered around the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) and fair compensation for performers.

Key Issues: The AI Debate

The core conflict revolves around the burgeoning use of AI in video game production. While SAG-AFTRA doesn't oppose AI technology itself, the union expresses serious concerns about its potential to displace human actors. The fear is that AI could be used to replicate actors' voices and likenesses without their consent, undermining their livelihoods and creative control. This also threatens the career progression of less experienced actors who often rely on smaller roles. Furthermore, ethical dilemmas arise when AI-generated content contradicts an actor's personal values.

Bridging the Gap: Temporary Agreements

To mitigate the impact of the strike and address some industry concerns, SAG-AFTRA has implemented several agreements. The Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement (I-IMA) offers a tiered system based on production budget, providing varying rates and terms for projects ranging from $250,000 to $30 million. This system, established in February, incorporates AI protections previously rejected by the video game industry bargaining group. A significant development was a January side deal with Replica Studios, allowing union actors to license digital voice replicas under specific, opt-out conditions.

The Interim Interactive Media Agreement and the Interim Interactive Localization Agreement offer temporary solutions, covering crucial aspects such as compensation, AI usage guidelines, rest periods, and payment terms. Importantly, these agreements exclude expansion packs and DLC, and projects approved under them are exempt from the strike.

The key provisions covered include:

• Right of Rescission; Producer’s Default
• Compensation
• Rate Maximum
• Artificial Intelligence/Digital Modeling
• Rest Periods
• Meal Periods
• Late Payments
• Health & Retirement
• Casting & Auditions - Self Tape
• Overnight Location Consecutive Employment
• Set Medics

A Long Road to Negotiation: Union Solidarity

Negotiations began in October 2022, culminating in a near-unanimous (98.32%) strike authorization vote by SAG-AFTRA members in September 2023. Despite progress on some issues, the lack of strong, enforceable AI protections remains the primary stumbling block.

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher and other union leaders have emphasized the union's unwavering commitment to fair treatment and protection against AI exploitation, highlighting the industry's substantial profits and the vital role of actors in bringing video game characters to life. The union's stance is clear: they will not compromise on fair AI protections for their members.

The strike underscores the ongoing tension between technological advancement and the rights of creative professionals. The outcome will significantly impact the future of AI in the video game industry and set a precedent for other creative fields grappling with similar challenges.