Actors strike over AI threat in video games
The video game industry is facing a major disruption as actors, led by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Sag-Aftra), have gone on strike over concerns about the use of AI technology.
According to Sag-Aftra, the major video game makers-including Activision, Warner Bros. and Walt Disney-are refusing to provide clear protections for artists regarding the use of generative AI. This technology allows companies to reproduce actors’ voices and appearance without fair compensation.
The strike was called after months of negotiations between Sag-Aftra and video game producers failed to reach an agreement on key issues, including wages and workplace safety. The union is concerned that the use of AI technology will lead to unfair treatment of performers, allowing companies to exploit their work without providing fair compensation.
However, video game studios are opposing the strike, claiming they have already made sufficient concessions to the union’s demands. Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the 10 video game producers negotiating with Sag-Aftra, said, “We are disappointed that the union has chosen to walk away while we are so close to an agreement. Our offer is a direct response to Sag-Aftra’s concerns and provides meaningful AI protections, including mandatory consent and fair compensation for all performers working under the Interactive Media Agreement.”
This strike follows last year’s historic victory of TV and film actors in the US, who won $1 billion in new salaries and benefits, as well as safeguards for the use of AI. The 118-day strike was the longest in the union’s 90-year history and severely disrupted film and TV production.
The impact of this strike is expected to be significant: California’s economy alone is estimated to have lost more than $6.5 billion due to a separate writers’ strike last year. As negotiations continue, the future of the video game industry is at stake.
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