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

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

The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has initiated a strike against major video game companies, including industry heavyweights Activision and Electronic Arts. This action, taken after protracted negotiations, centers on concerns about the unchecked use of artificial intelligence (AI) and the need for fair compensation for performers. Let's delve into the details.

The Core Issues: AI and Fair Compensation

The strike, effective July 26th, targets several prominent companies, including Activision Productions Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., and others. The primary conflict revolves around the burgeoning use of AI in video game production. While not inherently opposed to AI technology, SAG-AFTRA expresses deep concern about its potential to replace human actors. Key anxieties include the unauthorized replication of actors' voices and likenesses, the displacement of actors from smaller roles, and ethical considerations surrounding AI-generated content that may not align with an actor's values.

Bridging the Gap: Interim Agreements and Solutions

In an effort to address the challenges posed by AI and other industry issues, SAG-AFTRA has proposed innovative solutions. The Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement (I-IMA) offers a flexible framework for smaller-budget projects, establishing four tiers based on production costs, with adjusted rates and terms. This agreement, finalized in February, incorporates AI protections previously rejected by the video game industry bargaining group. A significant step was a January side deal with Replica Studios, allowing union members to license digital voice replicas under specific conditions, including the right to opt out of perpetual use.

Further temporary solutions are provided by the Interim Interactive Media Agreement and the Interim Interactive Localization Agreement. These agreements address various aspects including compensation, AI usage, rest periods, and other crucial working conditions. Importantly, projects approved under these agreements are exempt from the strike, allowing for continued work on eligible projects during the labor action. These agreements, however, exclude expansion packs and downloadable content released after the initial game launch.

A Long Road to Negotiations: Union Solidarity and Determination

Negotiations began in October 2022, culminating in a near-unanimous (98.32%) vote by SAG-AFTRA members to authorize a strike in September 2023. Despite progress on some fronts, the core impasse remains the lack of concrete and enforceable AI protections for performers. SAG-AFTRA leadership has firmly stated that they will not compromise on this critical issue, highlighting the industry's substantial profits and the indispensable contribution of its members.

The union's unwavering stance reflects a commitment to fair treatment and protection for its members within the evolving landscape of the video game industry. The outcome of this strike will likely set a significant precedent for the future of AI usage and labor practices within the entertainment sector.