AI Takes Center Stage in Voice Acting Dispute

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 labor practices and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in the industry.

SAG-AFTRA Authorizes Strike Over AI and Fair Labor Practices

SAG-AFTRA's Announcement

On July 20th, the SAG-AFTRA National Board unanimously empowered its National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator to call a strike if negotiations fail. The strike would encompass all services under the Interactive Media Agreement (IMA), halting work on all projects covered by this contract. The central issue is securing robust AI protections for video game performers.

National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland stated, "Our members voted overwhelmingly (over 98%) to authorize a strike if employers don't present a fair deal, particularly regarding AI. Our members' exceptional performances are vital to the success of major video games. The companies need to act swiftly to reach an agreement."

Key Issues and Potential Industry Impact

The potential strike stems from concerns about the unregulated use of AI in voice acting and performance capture. Currently, no safeguards prevent AI replication of actors' likenesses and voices. Actors are demanding fair compensation for AI usage of their performances, and clear guidelines on how their likenesses can be utilized.

Beyond AI, SAG-AFTRA is seeking wage increases to match inflation (11% retroactive pay and 4% increases in subsequent years), 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's impact on video game development is uncertain. Unlike film and television, video game production spans years. While a strike could slow development, the extent of any delays in game releases remains 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 game companies obtaining generative AI training rights from voice recording sessions. Other companies haven't yet issued public statements.

Negotiation History and Background

The conflict began in September 2023, when SAG-AFTRA members overwhelmingly (98.32%) authorized a strike before contract negotiations. Negotiations have stalled, despite an extension of the previous contract (expired November 2022).

This dispute follows a 2016 strike lasting 340 days, which addressed similar issues like base pay, safety, and residuals. While a compromise was reached, many union members felt the agreement fell short.

A January 2024 deal with Replica Studios, an AI voice provider, further fueled tensions, with some viewing it as a compromise of union principles.

This potential strike highlights the ongoing struggle for fair labor practices in the gaming industry. The outcome will significantly impact the use of AI in performance capture and the treatment of video game performers. A resolution that protects performers and ensures AI enhances, not replaces, human creativity is crucial.