Voice and motion capture performers in the video game industry don't strike often, but in the age when artificial intelligence is already taking their jobs, enduring this silently would probably be unwise.
For the second time in the past decade, the video game industry professionals are on a strike that follows a protracted 18-month negotiation period between SAG-AFTRA, the union representing these performers, and major video game companies, including Activision, Electronic Arts, and Take-Two Interactive. The work stoppage officially began on Friday morning. According to Polygon, any video game in production prior to Aug. 25 is not subject to the strike, per the strike rules.
"Although agreements have been reached on many issues important to SAG-AFTRA members, the employers refuse to plainly affirm, in clear and enforceable language, that they will protect all performers covered by this contract in their A.I. language," the note on the SAG-AFTRA website says.
SAG-AFTRA's central grievance is, obviously, the protection of its members against potential abuses of artificial intelligence—they're rightfully scared their voices will be replicated by AI, used without their consent, with no ability to opt out and with no fair compensation. This concern is valid. In 2023 alone, more than 10,000 people were laid off in the video game industry. Wired reports that studios might be laying off allegedly 11,000 staffers this year (and it's only July!). Besides, a recent survey found that nearly 50% of the respondents (which was 3,000 in total) said their employer used AI.
The Washington Post noted that the use of AI could disproportionately affect new and young performers. Background roles and non-player character parts, often entry points for newcomers, could be filled by AI, making it harder for fresh talent to gain a foothold in the industry.
In a statement released on its website, union president Fran Drescher stated, "We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse A.I. to the detriment of our members. Enough is enough. When these companies get serious about offering an agreement our members can live — and work — with, we will be here, ready to negotiate."
“The video game industry generates billions of dollars in profit annually. The driving force behind that success is the creative people who design and create those games. That includes the SAG-AFTRA members who bring memorable and beloved game characters to life, and they deserve and demand the same fundamental protections as performers in film, television, streaming, and music: fair compensation and the right of informed consent for the A.I. use of their faces, voices, and bodies. Frankly, it’s stunning that these video game studios haven’t learned anything from the lessons of last year - that our members can and will stand up and demand fair and equitable treatment with respect to A.I., and the public supports us in that,” said Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator.
Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the video game companies, responded in a statement to Polygon, asserting that the proposed AI terms are "among the strongest in the entertainment industry." Cooling noted that the two sides had reached consensus on 24 out of 25 contract proposals, with AI being the sole unresolved issue.
While the specifics of the disputed contract terms remain undisclosed, the core of the issue is the fear among performers that their work could be used to train AI models, potentially leading to their replacement. As per SAG-AFTRA, the agreement covers more than 2,500 “off-camera voiceover performers, on-camera (motion capture, stunt) performers, stunt coordinators, singers, dancers, puppeteers, and background performers.”
A similar strike took place in 2016, where voice actors halted work for nearly a year over issues like bonuses, royalties, and worker safety.
