SAG-AFTRA Strikes Over AI Protections Against Major Video Game Companies

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

SAG-AFTRA, the actors' union, launched a strike against major video game companies on July 26th, 2024, highlighting concerns over AI usage and fair compensation. This action follows over a year of unsuccessful negotiations.

The core issue revolves around the unregulated use of artificial intelligence. While not opposing AI technology itself, SAG-AFTRA members fear its potential to replace human actors, creating digital likenesses or replicating voices without consent. The union also expresses concern about AI potentially usurping smaller roles, hindering career progression for aspiring actors. Furthermore, ethical concerns arise regarding AI-generated content that might not reflect actors' values.

Addressing the challenges, SAG-AFTRA has implemented new agreements. The Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement (I-IMA) caters to smaller-budget projects ($250,000 - $30 million), offering tiered rates and incorporating AI protections initially rejected by the industry. A significant development includes a side deal with Replica Studios, enabling union members to license digital voice replicas under specific terms, with an opt-out provision.

The Interim Interactive Media Agreement and Interim Interactive Localization Agreement offer temporary solutions, covering key aspects such as compensation, AI usage, rest periods, and payment terms. Importantly, these agreements exclude expansion packs and DLC, and projects approved under them are exempt from the strike.

Negotiations, initiated in October 2022, culminated in a 98.32% vote in favor of strike authorization on September 24, 2023. The central obstacle remains the employers' refusal to agree on enforceable AI protections.

SAG-AFTRA leadership emphasizes the industry's substantial profits and the vital role of its members in video game character portrayal. The union remains resolute in its demand for fair treatment and AI safeguards for its members within the evolving video game industry.

The strike highlights the growing tension between technological advancements and the rights of creative professionals.