Video Game Performers Take a Stand Against AI Misuse
Hollywood's video game performers, including voice actors and motion-capture artists, have been on strike, over unresolved labor contract negotiations primarily focused on artificial intelligence (AI) protections. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), representing over 2,500 performers, initiated the strike after more than 18 months of failed negotiations with major video game companies such as Activision, Electronic Arts, Warner Bros. Games, and others.
SAG-AFTRA demands stronger safeguards against the use of generative AI, fearing that studios could use AI to replicate performers' voices, faces, and movements without proper compensation or consent. The union's chief negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, emphasized the potential for a prolonged strike, possibly lasting a year, if the studios do not address these concerns satisfactorily. He noted that video game production's flexibility might lead studios to believe they can outlast the strike, but he called this a "mistaken theory."
The last significant strike by SAG-AFTRA in the video game industry occurred in 2017, lasting 340 days, which marked the longest strike in the union's history. The current strike comes amidst a backdrop of increasing tensions in Hollywood over AI's role in entertainment. Last year, SAG-AFTRA actors went on strike for 118 days, demanding similar AI protections in the film and streaming sectors.
Negotiations have made some progress, with both sides agreeing on 24 out of 25 proposals, including wage increases and additional safety provisions for motion-capture performers. However, the crucial sticking point remains the AI clause. SAG-AFTRA insists on explicit and enforceable language to protect all performers from unconsented AI use. Conversely, the studios argue that their current offer, which includes requiring consent and fair compensation for AI use, aligns with or exceeds other entertainment industry agreements.
The union's concerns are echoed by performers like Abubakar Salim, known for his role in "Assassin's Creed: Origins," who highlighted the fear of AI replicating performances without consent. Salim, who also runs his own development studio, believes that while AI has a place in gaming, it cannot replace the nuanced performances of human actors. He argues that content produced entirely by AI would lack the emotional depth and connection that human actors bring to their roles.
What this means for you
As a gamer, you might be wondering how this strike impacts your favorite games. The truth is, that while the strike primarily targets upcoming projects and live-service games, the ripple effects could be significant. If you're an avid player of games that receive frequent updates, such as "Fortnite" or "Apex Legends," you might notice delays in new content or features. These games rely heavily on continuous updates to keep the player base engaged, and the strike could slow down the release of fresh content.
Additionally, This could lead to an increase in poor-quality games, as companies might cut costs by over-relying on AI. The human touch in games like “Life is Strange” is what makes them fan favorites. It's the nuanced performances, emotional depth, and unique character interactions provided by real actors that create memorable and impactful gaming experiences. Without this, games risk losing the elements that resonate deeply with players and turn them into beloved classics.