In a major development for the gaming industry, around 2,500 members of the SAG-AFTRA union have voted to end a year-long strike aimed at securing protections against the use of artificial intelligence (AI). This decision follows extensive negotiations with industry giants like Activision and Electronic Arts, where the focus was on creating guidelines for how AI can replicate actors’ performances. Remarkably, **95%** of the voting members threw their support behind this agreement, which also tackles issues of pay as well as health and safety protections.
The Background of the Strike
This strike kicked off in July 2022 after lengthy negotiations that lasted 18 months. The primary catalyst? Growing concerns over the increasing integration of AI technology in video game development. SAG-AFTRA reported that they reached a consensus on **24 out of 25** contentious issues, but the main sticking point remained the use of AI to mimic human performances. A significant hurdle was the classification of motion capture actors’ work as “data” rather than a performance, raising serious questions about their rights and compensation.
Following the conclusion of the strike, the union shared that the new contract includes **consent and disclosure requirements** for the use of AI digital replicas. This means performers now have the right to withdraw their consent in future scenarios, addressing their fears about how AI could affect their roles in the industry.
Details of the New Agreement
Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the negotiating video game companies, expressed satisfaction with the newly ratified **Interactive Media Agreement**. She emphasized that the contract brings **historic wage increases**, leading-edge AI protections, and enhanced health and safety measures for performers. This agreement signifies a pivotal moment for voice and motion capture actors who have long sought assurances against being replaced by AI technology.
Ashly Burch, a prominent voice actor known for her roles in popular video game franchises, clarified that the goal isn’t to ban AI but to ensure that performers aren’t sidelined by it. She stressed the importance of guarantees around consent, transparency, and fair compensation for the digital replicas of their performances.
Interesting to note, Burch’s character, Aloy from Sony’s **Horizon series**, became a central figure during the strike when an AI prototype of her character was leaked. The overwhelming fan reaction against AI performances in gaming underscored the necessity for human actors in the industry.
The Impact of the Strike
This strike primarily affected workers and projects in the United States, which set it apart from the wider Hollywood strikes. Unlike the sweeping 2023 Hollywood strike, video game performers found opportunities to work with companies that signed interim agreements addressing AI concerns. Veteran voice actors Robbie Daymond and Ray Chase managed to continue their work on their debut game, **Date Everything!**, thanks to these arrangements.
However, the year-long strike took a significant toll on many performers, especially those in motion capture. Daymond highlighted the financial strain on actors who typically juggle multiple projects, while Chase pointed out the unique challenges faced by motion capture actors whose careers are directly threatened by AI.
As things settle down, this resolution reflects a collective effort to safeguard the rights of performers while acknowledging the rapidly changing technological landscape in the gaming industry. SAG-AFTRA’s success in securing these essential protections might just serve as a blueprint for future negotiations across the entertainment sector. How will this agreement shape the future of gaming and performance? Only time will tell.