The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has updated its members on the status of negotiations concerning AI protections for video game performers. While acknowledging progress, the union states it remains "frustratingly far apart" from the industry bargaining group on several critical issues.
The guild has released a comparison chart outlining the differences between its proposals and those of the video game industry bargaining group, which represents most major AAA publishers. According to SAG-AFTRA, the following key points remain unresolved:
Extending AI protection to cover all past work, not just performances recorded after a new agreement takes effect. Establishing a clear definition of a "digital replica." SAG-AFTRA wants it to include any performance "readily identifiable or attributable to" a performer, while the industry group proposes the stricter term "objectively identifiable," which the union argues would allow employers to exclude many performances. Including performers who provide motion capture within the scope of the generative AI agreement. Agreeing on terminology; the union prefers "real-time generation" for AI-created performances, whereas the industry advocates for "procedural generation," a term SAG-AFTRA says has a different, established meaning in game development. Mandating that employers disclose if a performer's voice will be blended with others to create a digital replica. Requiring employers to disclose if a performer's voice will be used for an unscripted, real-time chatbot or solely for pre-scripted dialogue within a game. SAG-AFTRA's proposal to withdraw consent for digital replica use during a union strike, as employers wish to retain the right to use them, including on games affected by the strike. The duration of consent for real-time generation: the union proposes a five-year term requiring renewal, while the industry seeks indefinite, permanent consent for an unlimited volume of dialogue. Establishing minimum payment rates for the creation and use of digital replicas. While tentative agreement exists on bonus pay calculations, significant differences remain on base compensation. The industry's proposal to include a premium pay clause (similar to one in the TV/film agreement) granting employers greater scheduling flexibility in exchange for higher pay. SAG-AFTRA finds the current language too broad and potentially undermining of union rights but is open to a more narrowly defined version. Implementing a system to track the usage of digital replicas to ensure proper performer compensation. The industry bargaining group views this as unfeasible and is only willing to discuss it as a potential future consideration. Defining and regulating "synthetic" performers—characters created entirely by generative AI systems.
While this list is extensive, the chart also shows the parties have reached tentative agreements on other matters, including bonus pay, dispute resolution, certain minimum compensation elements, consent requirements, and specific performer disclosures. However, SAG-AFTRA's communication warns members that employers may be prematurely suggesting a deal is near, a view the union does not share. As SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland stated in a member letter:
With their previously signed projects stalled in production, employers are feeling pressure from the strike, as SAG-AFTRA video game members stand united in refusing work without proper protections. This is leading employers to seek other performers to fill these roles, including those not typically in games. If you are approached for such a role, we urge you to consider the serious consequences. You would not only undermine your fellow members' efforts but also put yourself at risk by working without safeguards against AI misuse—a polite term for companies using your performance to replace you without consent or fair compensation.
In response, Audrey Cooling, spokesperson for the video game industry bargaining group, provided this statement:
We have proposed an agreement featuring wage increases exceeding 15% for SAG-AFTRA performers in video games, alongside enhanced health and safety protections, industry-leading terms for in-game AI digital replicas, and additional compensation for an actor's performance used in other games. We have made meaningful progress and are eager to return to negotiations to finalize a deal.
The SAG-AFTRA video game strike is now in its eighth month, initiated primarily over disagreements on AI provisions despite consensus on 24 out of 25 other contract items. The industry-wide impact is becoming more visible. Players have noted apparent unvoiced NPCs in games like Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft, likely a strike consequence. Late last year, SAG-AFTRA struck League of Legends following allegations that Riot Games attempted to circumvent the strike, and Activision confirmed recasting roles in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 after fan concern over new voice actors.
Furthermore, just today, two voice actors for Zenless Zone Zero revealed they discovered they had been replaced upon reading the game's latest patch notes.
