Potential End to Video Game Performers' Strike Amid AI Concerns

A possible resolution may soon bring an end to the prolonged strike by video game performers over artificial intelligence and working conditions. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and gaming companies have tentatively agreed on a new contract that addresses several key issues, including AI safeguards, wage adjustments for inflation, rest periods, and medical support for hazardous roles. This tentative agreement comes more than two years after the previous deal covering interactive media expired, with the details yet to be disclosed. Approval from the SAG-AFTRA National Board and ratification by its members will determine the final outcome in the coming weeks.

For over two years, negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and video game companies have been at a standstill, leading to a strike initiated in late July due to disagreements regarding the use of artificial intelligence. Performers, numbering approximately 2,600 individuals involved in voice-acting, motion-capture, and performance work, demanded protections against unauthorized AI replication of their voices, likenesses, or movements. The union sought informed consent requirements before producers could utilize AI technologies for such purposes.

In response to these demands, numerous individual game companies reached side agreements with SAG-AFTRA during the first few months of the strike. These deals ensured adherence to the union’s AI regulations in exchange for lifting the strike restrictions. By November 2023, the labor organization announced partnerships with developers behind 130 different video games, underscoring the reasonableness of the proposed AI protections according to Sarah Elmaleh, chair of the union's video game negotiating committee.

However, not all companies cooperated willingly. In October, SAG-AFTRA targeted Formosa Interactive, the audio company responsible for “League of Legends,” accusing it of violating strike terms. An unfair labor practice charge was filed against Formosa, which denied the allegations. Such actions highlighted the contentious nature of the ongoing dispute.

The primary concern for performers revolved around on-camera actors who feared losing control over how their performances were replicated through AI technology. While game companies argued that their proposal included substantial safeguards requiring prior consent and fair compensation, many performers remained skeptical about the adequacy of these measures. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, national executive director and chief negotiator of SAG-AFTRA, emphasized the universal need for AI protections across all performer categories.

This marks the second video game strike by SAG-AFTRA within a decade and follows closely on the heels of another strike involving film and TV actors in 2023. During this period, performers refrained from providing any services to struck games and avoided promoting such projects via various platforms. The recent developments suggest optimism towards resolving the conflict, aligning with broader industry trends addressing the ethical implications of AI usage in entertainment.

Moving forward, the potential approval of the new contract represents a significant milestone for both parties involved. If ratified, it could set a precedent for future negotiations concerning AI integration in the entertainment sector while ensuring fair treatment and adequate protection for performers in an evolving digital landscape.