Yapay Zeka İşçi Uyuşmazlığını Ateşledi: SAG-AFTRA, Oyun Seslendirme Sanatçıları için Koruma Arıyor

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

SAG-AFTRA, the actors' and broadcasters' union, launched a strike against major video game companies on July 26th, 2024, after prolonged negotiations failed to yield an agreement on crucial issues. This action targets prominent companies including Activision, Electronic Arts, and others, highlighting deep concerns about the unchecked use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry.

The Core Issues: AI and Fair Compensation

The central conflict revolves around the potential misuse of AI. While not inherently opposed to AI technology, SAG-AFTRA members fear its potential to replace human performers. Key concerns include the unauthorized replication of actors' voices and likenesses, the displacement of actors in smaller roles, and the ethical implications of AI-generated content that may not align with an actor's values. The union seeks robust protections to prevent such exploitation.

Bridging the Gap: Interim Agreements and Solutions

To address the challenges, SAG-AFTRA has established several agreements designed to provide temporary solutions and allow for continued work on certain projects during the strike. These include:

• Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement (I-IMA): This agreement caters to indie and lower-budget games, offering a tiered structure based on production budget, incorporating AI protections previously rejected by the industry.

• Interim Interactive Media Agreement/Interim Interactive Localization Agreement: This covers various aspects of performer rights, compensation, and working conditions, explicitly excluding expansion packs and DLC. Projects approved under this agreement are exempt from the strike.

Key provisions within these interim agreements include: right of rescission, compensation details, rate maximums, AI/digital modeling stipulations, rest and meal periods, late payment protocols, health and retirement benefits, casting and audition guidelines, and provisions for overnight location work.

A Long Road to Negotiations: Union Solidarity and Determination

Negotiations began in October 2022, with SAG-AFTRA members overwhelmingly authorizing a strike in September 2023 (98.32% yes vote). While some progress was made, the lack of concrete and enforceable AI protections remains the primary obstacle.

Sendika liderliği, video oyunu endüstrisinin kayda değer kârını ve SAG-AFTRA üyelerinin oyun karakterlerine hayat vermedeki hayati rolünü vurguluyor. Adil muamele ve AI sömürüsüne karşı koruma taleplerinde kararlılar ve sektörün önceki iş anlaşmazlıklarından ders alma konusundaki başarısızlığının altını çiziyorlar. Grev, sendikanın yapay zeka teknolojisinin hem sanatçılara hem de bir bütün olarak sektöre fayda sağladığı bir geleceği güvence altına alma kararlılığının altını çiziyor.

Grevin sonucu, video oyunu endüstrisini önemli ölçüde etkileyecek ve yapay zekanın gelecekteki eğlence yapımlarına nasıl entegre edileceğine dair bir emsal oluşturacak. SAG-AFTRA'nın değişmez duruşu, sorumlu yapay zeka uygulamasına ve yaratıcı profesyoneller için adil ücretlendirmeye yönelik daha geniş bir hareketin sinyalini veriyor.