SAG-AFTRA launches strike against video game companies over AI concerns

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has initiated a strike against video game companies.

The union is primarily concerned about the misuse of generative AI technology, which could reproduce actors’ voices and likenesses without proper consent or compensation.

It’s a familiar topic that was thrust into the limelight when Hollywood actors went on strike for a historic 118 days last year.

This new strike began at 12:01 a.m. on July 26, 2024, after 18 months of unsuccessful negotiations surrounding the Interactive Media (Video Game) Agreement.

The industrial action targets ten major players in the video game industry:

1. Activision Productions Inc.
2. Blindlight LLC
3. Disney Character Voices International Inc.
4. Electronic Arts Inc.
5. Formosa Interactive LLC
6. Insomniac Games Inc.
7. Llama Productions LLC
8. Take 2 Productions Inc.
9. VoiceWorks Productions Inc.
10. WB Games Inc.

For SAG-AFTRA members, the strike means immediately stopping all services for the listed companies, which include:

1. Acting
2. Voice acting
3. Singing
4. Dancing
5. Performing stunts and related services
6. Performance capture and motion capture work
7. ADR/looping
8. Background and stand-in work
9. Rehearsals and camera tests
10. Auditions (including self-tapes)
11. Authorizing the use of their voice or likeness
12. Promoting or performing content for struck games
13. Agreeing to perform services or create digital replicas

Members violating these terms could face disciplinary action, including censure, reprimand, fines, suspension, or expulsion from the union.

The companies affected represent a vast portion of the AAA game development industry, so the strike will likely affect numerous high-profile titles currently in development.

What does SAG-AFTRA want from game companies?

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher explained the union’s stance, stating, “We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of our members. Enough is enough.”

The union is seeking clear contractual protections against the unchecked use of AI, arguing that video game performers deserve the same fundamental protections as their counterparts in film, television, and music. 

This includes the right to informed consent for AI use of their faces, voices, and bodies and fair compensation for any such uses.

The video game industry maintains that it has already offered substantial concessions. 

Audrey Cooling, spokesperson for the video game producers, stated, “We have already found common ground on 24 out of 25 proposals, including historic wage increases and additional safety provisions. Our offer is directly responsive to SAG-AFTRA’s concerns and extends meaningful AI protections that include requiring consent and fair compensation to all performers working under the IMA. These terms are among the strongest in the entertainment industry.”

This strike follows SAG-AFTRA’s controversial January 2024 agreement with AI voice studio Replica Studios. 

That agreement, which outlined how AI voices could be used in video games, sparked criticism among voice actors who claimed they weren’t consulted. 

The union defended the agreement as an “experimental” one-year trial to establish fair and ethical terms for AI voice creation and licensing.

As the gaming industry rapidly integrates AI technology into game design and production, with 86.7% of studios identified as early adopters, the union has its work cut out in protecting members while acknowledging AI’s rising role in game development.

Like 2023’s Hollywood actor strike, the outcome will set important precedents for how the gaming industry handles AI usage and performer rights in the years to come.

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