Hollywood Video Game Performers Strike on AI Concerns

Hollywood video game performers -- including voice actors and motion capture artists -- are set to go on strike at the end of this week on July 26.

They cite concerns over AI protections and 'abuse' in the gaming industry. The Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the Interactive Media Agreement (SAG-AFTRA) confirmed the strike would take effect on July 26.

This decision comes after more than an 18-month-long failed negotiation attempt with a group representing several video game publishers.

These negotiations involved firms such as Activision Productions, Disney Character Voices, Formosa Interactive, Electronic Arts Productions, and Insomniac Games, industry giants.

The labor union wants these firms to sign several contracts that offer 'critical' AI protections for its members. SAG-AFTRA emphasized that employers refuse to affirm, in clear and enforceable language, that they will protect all performers covered by this contract in their AI language.

A spokesperson representing the video game companies expressed disappointment with the decision. According to NBC News, they claim they've already found 'common ground' with the video game producers on 24 of its 25 proposals, including wage increases and additional safety provisions.

Background of AI Concerns

SAG-AFTRA members in film and television went on a similar strike in June 2023. This action was partly because the entertainment firms still refused to exclude the use of AI-generated faces and voices of SAG-AFTRA members in their work.

'We're not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of our members. Enough is enough,' SAG-AFTRA's President Fran Drescher stressed. 'When these companies get serious about offering an agreement our members can live -- and work -- with, we will be here, ready to negotiate.'

These actors are the 'driving force' behind the success that enables the video game industry to generate billions of dollars in profit annually.

Therefore, their rights should be upheld accordingly, said SAG-AFTRA's National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. 'They deserve and demand the same fundamental protections as film, television, streaming, and music performers: fair compensation and the right of informed consent for the AI use of their faces, voices, and bodies.'

Industry Reactions and Legislative Actions

IMANC's Chair Sarah Elmaleh criticized the entertainment companies for not compromising on the AI clauses, accusing them of trying to commit 'flagrant exploitation.'

A couple of months after the second strike, California lawmaker Ash Kalra introduced a bill to protect actors, artists, and entertainers from AI by mandating employment contracts to include informed consent regarding digital replicates. An amended version of the bill was passed in the California Senate on July 2 but has not yet been passed into law.

'We will not allow companies to abuse AI to the detriment of our members.' - Fran Drescher, SAG-AFTRA President

The Road Ahead

The upcoming strike marks a significant moment for the video game industry. The outcome will likely set a precedent for how AI is utilized across all forms of entertainment.

As the strike looms, both sides remain firm, making the future uncertain for video game releases and the industry's labor relations.