SAG-AFTRA, VA'nın Haklarına Yönelik Bir Saldırıyı Daha Tehdit Ederken Yapay Zeka Sesi Odaklanıyor

The video game industry faces potential upheaval as SAG-AFTRA, the union representing voice actors and performance artists, has authorized a strike against major game developers. This article examines the ongoing dispute over fair wages, worker safety, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in performance capture.

SAG-AFTRA Authorizes Strike: A Fight for Fair Labor and AI Protections

SAG-AFTRA's Announcement

On July 20th, the SAG-AFTRA National Board unanimously authorized its National Executive Director to call a strike if negotiations fail. The strike would encompass all services under the Interactive Media Agreement (IMA), halting work on affected projects. The primary concern is securing robust AI protections for performers.

National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland stated the union's unwavering resolve, emphasizing the overwhelming member support (over 98%) for strike authorization if a fair agreement, particularly regarding AI usage, isn't reached. He highlighted the vital role of voice actors in the success of video games.

Key Issues and Potential Industry Impact

The central issue is the unregulated use of AI in voice acting and performance capture. Currently, there are no safeguards preventing AI replication of actors' likenesses without their consent or compensation. SAG-AFTRA members demand fair pay for their performances and clear guidelines, along with compensation, for AI usage of their work.

Beyond AI concerns, the union seeks wage increases to match inflation (11% retroactive pay and 4% annual increases), improved on-set safety measures (including mandatory rest periods, on-site medics for hazardous work, vocal stress protections, and eliminating stunt requirements in self-taped auditions).

A strike could significantly disrupt video game production, although the exact impact remains uncertain. Unlike film and television, video game development is a lengthy process. While a strike might delay certain production phases, the extent of its effect on game release dates is unclear.

Companies Involved and Their Responses

The potential strike targets ten major companies:

⚫︎ Activision Productions Inc.
⚫︎ Blindlight LLC
⚫︎ Disney Character Voices Inc.
⚫︎ Electronic Arts Productions Inc.
⚫︎ Epic Games, Inc.
⚫︎ Formosa Interactive LLC
⚫︎ Insomniac Games Inc.
⚫︎ Take 2 Productions Inc.
⚫︎ VoiceWorks Productions Inc.
⚫︎ WB Games Inc.

Epic Games has publicly supported SAG-AFTRA's position, with CEO Tim Sweeney tweeting his opposition to AI training using recorded dialogue. Other companies haven't yet issued public statements.

A History of Conflict

This conflict's roots lie in September 2023, when SAG-AFTRA members overwhelmingly (98.32%) authorized a strike before contract negotiations. Negotiations have stalled since the previous contract expired in November 2022.

The current dispute echoes a 2016 strike lasting 340 days, which addressed similar issues of base pay, safety, and residuals. That strike ended with a compromise, but many members felt the agreement fell short.

In January 2024, SAG-AFTRA faced criticism for a deal with Replica Studios, an AI voice provider, which some viewed as a betrayal. This agreement further fueled internal tensions regarding AI's role in performance capture.

The authorized strike represents a critical juncture in the fight for fair labor practices in the gaming industry. The outcome will shape the future of AI in performance capture and the treatment of video game performers. The rapid advancement of AI necessitates strong protections for human performers, ensuring AI enhances, not replaces, human creativity. A swift resolution addressing the union's concerns is crucial.