SAG-AFTRA Strikes Over AI Protections Against Major Video Game Companies

SAG-AFTRA's Strike Against Video Game Companies: A Fight for AI Protections and Fair Compensation

SAG-AFTRA, the actors' union, initiated a strike against major video game companies on July 26th, 2024, following prolonged negotiations. This action highlights significant concerns regarding the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) and fair compensation for performers.

Key Issues: The core dispute centers on the unchecked use of AI in the video game industry. While not opposing AI technology itself, SAG-AFTRA members fear its potential to replace human actors by replicating voices and likenesses without consent. This also threatens the opportunities for less experienced actors who often start with smaller roles. The union also raises ethical concerns about AI-generated content potentially contradicting an actor's values.

Temporary Solutions and Agreements: To address these issues, and others related to compensation and working conditions, SAG-AFTRA has developed several agreements. The Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement (I-IMA) offers a tiered structure based on production budget, providing rates and terms for projects between $250,000 and $30 million. This agreement, established in February 2024, includes AI protections initially rejected by the industry bargaining group. A separate side deal with Replica Studios allows actors to license digital voice replicas under specific terms, including the right to opt out of perpetual use.

The Interim Interactive Media Agreement and Interim Interactive Localization Agreement offer temporary solutions covering various aspects, including: Right of Rescission, compensation, rate maximums, AI/digital modeling regulations, rest periods, meal periods, late payments, health & retirement benefits, casting/auditions, and overnight location employment. Importantly, these interim agreements exclude expansion packs and DLC, and projects approved under them are exempt from the strike.

Negotiation Timeline and Union Resolve: Negotiations began in October 2022. A 98.32% yes vote on September 24, 2023, overwhelmingly authorized a strike. While some progress was made, the lack of strong, enforceable AI protections remains the key obstacle. SAG-AFTRA leadership has expressed unwavering determination to secure fair treatment and protection for its members in the face of the industry's evolving use of AI.

The strike underscores the union's commitment to protecting its members' rights and livelihoods in the rapidly changing landscape of the video game industry. The outcome will have significant implications for the future of AI usage and labor practices within the sector.