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

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

Key Issues Fueling the Dispute:

The core conflict revolves around the burgeoning use of AI in video game production. While not inherently opposed to AI technology, SAG-AFTRA expresses serious concerns about its potential to displace human actors. The union highlights the risk of unauthorized AI replication of actors' voices and likenesses, and the threat AI poses to smaller roles that often serve as crucial stepping stones for aspiring performers. Furthermore, ethical dilemmas arise when AI-generated content contradicts an actor's personal values.

Bridging the Gap: Interim Agreements and Solutions:

To address the challenges presented by AI and other industry issues, SAG-AFTRA has developed several agreements designed to facilitate continued work during the strike. These include:

• Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement (I-IMA): This innovative agreement caters to indie and lower-budget projects ($250,000 - $30 million budget), incorporating AI protections initially rejected by the video game industry bargaining group.

• Interim Interactive Media Agreement/Interim Interactive Localization Agreement: This temporary agreement addresses various aspects of performer rights and compensation, including AI usage, rest periods, meal breaks, and payment terms. Crucially, it excludes expansion packs and DLC released after the initial game launch. Projects adhering to this agreement are exempt from the strike.

A notable development is a January side deal with AI voice company Replica Studios, enabling union actors to license digital voice replicas under specific terms, including the right to opt out of perpetual use.

A Timeline of Resistance and Unwavering Determination:

Negotiations began in October 2022, culminating in a near-unanimous (98.32%) strike authorization vote by SAG-AFTRA members on September 24, 2023. Despite progress on some issues, the lack of concrete and enforceable AI protections remains the primary obstacle.

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher and other union leaders have emphasized the industry's substantial profits and the vital role of union actors in bringing video game characters to life, underscoring the union's commitment to fair treatment and AI safeguards. The strike underscores the union's resolve to protect its members against what they see as unfair exploitation.

The strike's outcome will significantly impact the video game industry and set a precedent for future negotiations regarding AI usage and performer rights in entertainment.