The gaming industry faces potential upheaval as SAG-AFTRA has authorized a strike against major video game companies. This article explores the ongoing fight for fair labor practices and ethical AI usage.
SAG-AFTRA Authorizes Strike Against Video Game Companies
SAG-AFTRA's Press Release
On July 20th, the SAG-AFTRA National Board unanimously empowered its National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator to call a strike if necessary. This strike would encompass all services under the Interactive Media Agreement (IMA), halting work by all SAG-AFTRA members on affected projects. The central issue: securing crucial AI protections for video game performers.
National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland stated, "Our resolve is unwavering. Our membership overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike unless employers offer a deal including critical AI provisions. We are committed to our members whose performances are vital to the world's most popular video games. Time is running out for a deal."
The Issues and Industry Impact
The potential strike stems from the unregulated use of AI in voice acting and performance capture. Currently, no safeguards prevent AI replication of actors' likenesses. SAG-AFTRA members seek fair compensation for AI usage, or at minimum, clear guidelines and payment for any such use.
Beyond AI, SAG-AFTRA seeks wage increases (11% retroactive, plus 4% annual increases), improved on-set safety (including mandated rest periods, on-site medics for hazardous work, vocal stress protections, and eliminating stunt requirements in self-taped auditions).
A strike's impact is uncertain. Unlike film and TV, video game development spans years. While a strike could slow development, the extent of delays to game releases is unclear.
Companies Involved and Their Stances
The potential 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-Two Productions Inc.
- VoiceWorks Productions Inc.
- WB Games Inc.
Epic Games publicly supports SAG-AFTRA's position. CEO Tim Sweeney tweeted support for the guild's view that companies shouldn't receive AI training rights from recorded dialogue sessions. Other companies haven't yet commented.
Negotiation History
This conflict began in September 2023, with SAG-AFTRA seeking member authorization for a strike before contract negotiations. The vote overwhelmingly supported a strike (98.32%). Negotiations have stalled since then, despite an extension of the contract which expired in November 2022.
This follows a 2016 strike lasting 340 days, resolving with a compromise that left many dissatisfied.
In January 2024, a deal with Replica Studios, an AI voice provider, drew criticism, exacerbating internal tensions over AI's role in performance capture.
This strike authorization marks a crucial moment in the fight for fair labor practices in gaming. The outcome will significantly impact AI's use in performance capture and the treatment of video game performers. Protecting individuals and ensuring AI enhances, not replaces, human creativity is paramount. The potential strike underscores the urgent need for a resolution addressing the union's concerns.
