Members of the USA actors union SAG-AFTRA have confirmed they'll be going on strike from tomorrow, 26th July 2024, over concerns relating to AI usage in the industry. Video game performers — such as voice actors — have been in talks with some of the biggest game publishers (including Activision, EA, Take-Two, and more) over a new type of Interactive Media Agreement to protect their work and rights, but have failed to reach a positive conclusion. As a result, members will go on strike from tomorrow.
The union's official website states: "SAG-AFTRA is striking this contract so that members working in interactive media (video games) can continue earning a living doing the job that they love. Our members’ work and likenesses are being exploited by artificial intelligence, and video game companies have refused to plainly affirm, in clear and enforceable language, that they will protect all performers covered by this contract in their A.I. language."
While talks between the parties signalled progress on topics like wages and job safety, the use of AI remained a sticking point. The FAQ page from SAG-AFTRA continues: "Actors are workers. Like all workers, game performers deserve to make a living under conditions that are safe and humane."
"Additionally, your favorite performances are brought to life through the artistry of human actors who improvise, tap into personal experiences, and collaborate with writers and directors to create a performance that only they could provide. No two actors are the same, and every performance is unique. Generative A.I. tools threaten to replace these artists with derivative, machine-recycled performance, lacking perspective or surprise. A.I.-generated performances will not carry the originality, pathos or humor of an actual human actor." To show your support for the strike, SAG-AFTRA is calling for social media hashtags #LevelUpTheContract, #VideoGameContract, and #SagAftraStrong to be used.
Publishers that were part of the failed negotiations included Activision, Disney, EA, Insomniac Games, Take-Two, and Warner Bros. "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," said SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher.
In a statement shared with Push Square, Audrey Cooling, the spokesperson for the Interactive Media Agreement, responded to the strike announcement with the following: "We are disappointed the union has chosen to walk away when we are so close to a deal, and we remain prepared to resume negotiations. We have already found common ground on 24 out of 25 proposals, including historic wage increases and additional safety provisions. Our offer is directly responsive to SAG-AFTRA’s concerns and extends meaningful AI protections that include requiring consent and fair compensation to all performers working under the IMA. These terms are among the strongest in the entertainment industry."
[source sagaftra.org, via sagaftra.org]
Comments 21
Scary thing with AI voices is they are becoming more convincing by the day so yeah i don't blame them for going on strike.
I'm glad they're doing this, as everybody deserves to be paid for the work they do, as the SAG AFTRA says.
I think AI is a great tool that can be used for good, but the companies just seem to want to replace human beings with a cheaper alternative, rather than utilising it as what it is - a tool.
Also video games are an art form and although not everyone will agree the voice actors are artists that bring together the whole performances and story. Until AI can understand human emotions, it will never be able to write anything more than a basic story with 1 dimensional characters
It's a shame that it always has to come to this. I hope everyone on strike stays strong and their conditions are met.
It looks inevitable that AI will negatively impact job roles for a lot of industries going forward. I can't help but think the conversation from the perspective of the publishers will be, you know who doesn't strike, AI.
I hope they can find a favourable resolution.
AI sucks. Nobody should be replaced with a robot. Totally support this!
Hope their rights / demands are met. Human beings are more than capable of doing voice work, etc. and there are plenty of us. We don't need AI to do it for us, to replace us. We need AI to help us do what we are already doing.
Good. I applaud them. F AI!
AI is already showing how destructive and deceptive it can be in almost every medium. All the while charging us the same price for a products that have a drastically reduced cost due to AI replacing the wages of talented workers.
The majority of humanity is not in a place morally or idealistically to use something like AI in any capacity highlighted by those that support it or see some utopian way in which it can be a tool rather than a cost replacement.
Again,.. Most of the human family that isn't struggling, starving, destitute and/or living oppressed, are too self centered and greedy to be a force for good in much of anything that doesn't directly benefit their rampant individualism, let alone ethical and equitable use of AI.
Can’t blame them. This is going to be a huge issue in the entertainment business for years to come. Getting a leg up now is a smart idea even though more issues will continue to pop up anyways
Good for them! I hope they win, and I just hope this doesn't have the opposite effect! ie Big game companies realising they dont need actors after all and just go all in on AI, less troublesome, less money etc is the absolute worst outcome.
Can't wait to play Wolverine, now in 2027.
Just remember to NOT support publishers if they prioritize AI over people. Vote with your wallet and encourage others to do the same. If we don’t act now, the industry in 20 years will be all Fortnite-likes with AI generated content to keep the hamster wheel spinning.
It’s really unfortunate that the first industry truly under attack by AI is the arts. You know… the thing that makes us human.
@KundaliniRising333 "It is a well-known fact that those people who must want to rule people are, ipso facto, those least suited to do it... anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job."
Just replace president with whatever you are talking about and this Hitchhikers Guide quote applies to pretty much everything.
Hope they get what they want, they are the heart of the industry.
Games wouldn’t be the same without them, hope generative AI is stamped out of the creative arts.
Hah, as if the industry won't outsource their work if SAG-AFTRA becomes a pain in the butt.
Also, one and a half year without a deal means the companies are telling you to kindly F off and that they'll go through, after all the ones who will judge if AI generated assets is bad or not in the end is the consumer.
If anyone was wondering, SAG-AFTRA has given VAs who were going to SDCC permission to have their panels as scheduled because of the short timing between the strike and the event.
I feel like this strike may not last as long as the last one. Main reason being that the vast majority of people are HEAVILY against use of AI in movies, shows, and games. These game companies definitely are aware of this and as a result, I feel like they'll meet the conditions. Especially since all they really gotta do is say that motion capture actors/stunt actors for games are safe from AI being used on them without permission. Also, these companies also realize that if they use AI anyway or get new actors, the backlash would be ABSOLUTELY INSANE, so I don't think they'll risk doing something so stupid.
I think this will clear up in a month or two, but in the meantime, keep us posted ya? Cheers!
Ok... generally, I am very much against the substitution of people for AI, be it actors, writers, singers, and so on. And I actually think that this bubble will burst since consumers are as interested in the content as they are interested in the human connection with the author.
With that said, some substitution will inevitably occur, as there are use cases where AI will make sense as a tool. Same as with every other new technology, from the Gutenberg's press to autonomous vehicles.
But this article has a couple of quite ironic key-points:
1) The same people in the comments that are supporting the strike today will be moaning here tomorrow 'cuz, you know, "where are the gaaamez???".
2) The strike may well accelerate AI adoption, as studios and publishers will be cornered into looking for alternatives to real actors.
Awesome, FULL SOLIDARITY with the comrades ✊
@Art_Vandelay Found the apologist!
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