The gaming industry faces potential upheaval as SAG-AFTRA, the union representing voice actors and performance artists, has authorized a strike against major video game companies. This action highlights a critical battle over fair labor practices and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in the industry.
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 is 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 negotiate a deal including critical provisions, especially regarding AI. We stand firmly with our members whose performances are vital to the world's most popular video games. The companies must act now."
The Issues and Industry Impact
The potential strike stems from concerns over the unregulated use of AI in voice acting and performance capture. Currently, no safeguards protect actors from AI replication of their likenesses. SAG-AFTRA members demand fair compensation for AI usage, along with clear guidelines on how their likenesses can be utilized.
Beyond AI, the union seeks wage increases to match inflation (11% retroactive pay and 4% increases in subsequent years), improved on-set safety measures (including mandated rest periods, on-site medics for hazardous work, vocal stress protections, and eliminating stunt requirements in self-taped auditions).
A strike could disrupt video game production, although the extent is uncertain. Unlike film and television, video game development is a lengthy process. While a strike might slow development, the impact on release dates is unclear.
Companies Involved and Their Positions
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, with CEO Tim Sweeney tweeting support for the union's stance against generative AI voice training using recorded dialog. Other companies haven't yet issued public statements.
Negotiation History
This conflict began in September 2023 when SAG-AFTRA sought member authorization for a strike before contract negotiations. The vote overwhelmingly favored a strike (98.32%). Negotiations have stalled, despite an extension of the previous contract (expired November 2022).
The current situation follows a 2016 strike lasting 340 days, which ended with a compromise but left many union members dissatisfied.
A January 2024 deal with Replica Studios, an AI voice provider, drew criticism, exacerbating internal union tensions over AI's role in performance capture.
SAG-AFTRA's strike authorization highlights the ongoing fight for fair labor practices in the gaming industry. The outcome will significantly impact AI's use in performance capture and the treatment of video game performers. The rapid advancement of AI necessitates strong protections for individuals, ensuring AI enhances, not replaces, human creativity. A swift resolution addressing the union's concerns is crucial.
