SAG-AFTRA Says It's Still 'Frustratingly Far Apart' From Games Industry Bargaining Group on AI Protections

The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has updated its members on video game actor AI protection negotiations. While progress has been made, significant disagreements remain with the industry bargaining group. A chart highlighting these differences reveals key sticking points:

• AI Protection Scope: SAG-AFTRA seeks protection for all past and future work, while the bargaining group focuses only on future work.

• Digital Replica Definition: SAG-AFTRA's definition, encompassing any readily identifiable performance, is broader than the bargaining group's "objectively identifiable" proposal.

• Inclusion of Movement Performers: The bargaining group hasn't included movement performers in its generative AI agreement.

• Terminology: Disagreements exist over terminology like "real-time generation" (SAG-AFTRA) versus "procedural generation" (bargaining group).

• Transparency: SAG-AFTRA demands disclosure regarding voice blending and chatbot usage; the bargaining group hasn't agreed.

• Strike Clause: SAG-AFTRA proposes withdrawing consent for digital replica use during strikes, a point of contention with the bargaining group.

• Consent Duration: SAG-AFTRA proposes a five-year renewable consent period, while the bargaining group seeks unlimited consent.

• Compensation: Substantial disagreements persist on minimum compensation for digital replica creation and use, although tentative bonus pay calculations have been agreed upon.

• Employer Bonus Rights: The bargaining group's proposed bonus rights clause, similar to the SAG-AFTRA TV/Film agreement, is deemed too broad by SAG-AFTRA.

• Usage Tracking: SAG-AFTRA advocates for a system to track digital replica usage for fair compensation, which the bargaining group considers infeasible.

• Synthetic Performer Definitions: Clear definitions for "synthetic" performers and their regulation are still needed.

Despite tentative agreements on bonus pay, dispute resolution, some compensation elements, consent requirements, and disclosures, SAG-AFTRA expresses concern that the bargaining employers are misrepresenting the progress. SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland cautions members against accepting work without adequate AI protections, emphasizing the risk of exploitation and undermining the strike.

Audrey Cooling, spokesperson for the video game industry bargaining group, counters that their proposal includes over 15% wage increases, enhanced health and safety protections, and industry-leading AI terms. They express eagerness to continue negotiations.

The eight-month-long strike, primarily focused on AI provisions, is visibly impacting games. Players report unvoiced NPCs in games like Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft. League of Legends experienced a strike-related incident, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 character recasting followed player concerns. Recently, two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors discovered their replacements via patch notes.