The video game industry faces potential upheaval as SAG-AFTRA, the union representing voice actors and performance artists, has authorized a strike against major game developers. This article explores the ongoing dispute over fair labor practices and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in the industry.

SAG-AFTRA Authorizes Strike: A Fight for AI Protections

SAG-AFTRA's Announcement

On July 20th, the SAG-AFTRA National Board unanimously authorized its National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator to call a strike if negotiations fail. This action targets all services under the Interactive Media Agreement (IMA), halting work by all SAG-AFTRA members on affected projects. The central issue is securing robust AI protections for video game performers.

National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland stated the union's unwavering resolve, highlighting the near-unanimous (98%+) member vote to authorize a strike if a satisfactory agreement, particularly addressing AI concerns, isn't reached. He underscored the importance of protecting the performers whose work is essential to the success of popular video games.

Key Issues and Industry Impact

The potential strike stems from the unregulated use of AI in voice acting and performance capture. Currently, no safeguards exist to prevent the unauthorized replication of actors' likenesses and voices via AI. SAG-AFTRA members demand fair compensation for AI usage, along with clear guidelines on its implementation.

Beyond AI, the union is seeking wage increases to combat inflation (11% retroactive pay and 4% increases for the following two years), improved on-set safety measures (including mandated rest periods and on-site medics), vocal stress protections, and the elimination of stunt requirements in self-taped auditions.

A strike's impact on game development is uncertain, though disruption is likely. Unlike film and television, video game production spans years. While a strike could slow down development, the extent of any delays in game releases remains unclear.

Companies Involved and Their Responses

The strike targets ten major companies:

⚫︎ Activision Productions Inc.
⚫︎ Blindlight LLC
⚫︎ Disney Character Voices Inc.
⚫︎ Electronic Arts Productions Inc.
⚫︎ Epic Games, Inc.
⚫︎ Formosa Interactive LLC
⚫︎ Insomniac Games Inc.
⚫︎ Take 2 Productions Inc.
⚫︎ VoiceWorks Productions Inc.
⚫︎ WB Games Inc.

Epic Games has publicly supported SAG-AFTRA's position, with CEO Tim Sweeney tweeting his agreement that companies shouldn't gain AI training rights from voice recording sessions. Other companies haven't yet issued public statements.

A History of Conflict

This conflict began in September 2023 when SAG-AFTRA sought member authorization for a strike before contract negotiations. The overwhelming support (98.32%) foreshadowed the current impasse. Negotiations have stalled despite extending the previous contract (expired November 2022).

The current situation echoes a 2016 strike lasting 340 days, centered on similar issues of pay, safety, and residuals. While that strike concluded with a compromise, many union members felt the agreement fell short.

Further complicating matters was a January 2024 deal with Replica Studios, an AI voice provider, which allowed members to license their voices to AI. This move sparked controversy and increased internal tensions within the union.

The authorized strike represents a crucial moment in the fight for fair labor practices in the gaming industry. The outcome will significantly impact the future of AI in performance capture and the treatment of video game performers. As AI technology rapidly advances, protecting individual rights and ensuring AI enhances, not replaces, human creativity is paramount. A swift resolution addressing the union's concerns is vital.