The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) recently updated its members on the ongoing negotiations regarding AI protections for video game actors. While some progress has been made, significant disagreements remain with the industry bargaining group, leaving negotiations "frustratingly far apart" on key issues.
A comparison chart highlights these discrepancies. Key sticking points include: comprehensive AI protection covering all past and future work, not just future work; a precise definition of "digital replica," with SAG-AFTRA advocating for a broader definition encompassing readily identifiable performances, while the bargaining group prefers a more restrictive "objectively identifiable" standard; inclusion of movement performers in the AI agreement; the terminology used to describe AI-generated performances ("real-time generation" versus "procedural generation"); mandatory disclosure of voice blending and chatbot uses; withdrawal of consent for digital replica use during strikes; the duration of consent for real-time generation (SAG-AFTRA proposes five years, the bargaining group seeks indefinite consent); minimum compensation for digital replica creation and use; the inclusion of a bonus rights clause similar to the TV/Film agreement (SAG-AFTRA seeks stricter limitations); and implementation of a system to track digital replica usage and ensure fair compensation.
Despite these unresolved issues, tentative agreements have been reached on bonus pay calculations, dispute resolution, aspects of minimum compensation, consent requirements, certain disclosures, and other matters. However, SAG-AFTRA expresses concern that the bargaining employers are misrepresenting the progress, suggesting a near-deal where none exists.
SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland warned members that employers, facing pressure from the eight-month-long strike, are attempting to circumvent the strike by seeking non-union performers. He urged members to consider the consequences of such actions, emphasizing the risk of working without AI misuse protections.
In response, Audrey Cooling, spokesperson for the video game industry bargaining group, stated that their proposal includes over 15% wage increases, enhanced health and safety protections, and industry-leading AI terms. They expressed a desire to return to the bargaining table to reach a resolution.
The strike, initiated due to the lack of AI agreement, is visibly impacting the gaming industry. Players have reported unvoiced NPCs in games like Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft. Following alleged strike subversion attempts by Riot Games, League of Legends was also affected, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 saw character voice recasting. Recently, two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors discovered their replacements through patch notes.
