Video game actors went on strike! They don’t want artificial intelligence

Actors in the video game industry are striking for AI protections and better working conditions. SAG-AFTRA union announced that its members decided to strike in order to reach a better agreement with major companies such as Activision, Disney, EA and WB Games. The strike is aimed at limiting the effects of artificial intelligence use on actors and ensuring fair working conditions.

SAG-AFTRA play actors go on strike and have demands

SAG-AFTRA has been renegotiating the Interactive Media Agreement with major gaming companies such as Activision, Disney, EA, and WB Games since October 2022. However, the union believes that these agreements do not provide sufficient protection for the use of artificial intelligence. SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drecsher said: “We will not accept a contract that will allow companies to use artificial intelligence to the detriment of our members, enough is enough.” He stated the union’s position clearly.

The union is demanding a contract that includes clear and enforceable language to prevent the misuse of artificial intelligence. This request aims to prevent unauthorized use of voice recordings and performances of video game actors by AI. While SAG-AFTRA has taken some steps on this issue, it wants these protections to be formalized in the next Interactive Media Agreement agreement.

This strike follows last year’s strikes in Hollywood over pay and AI-related issues. As of July 26 at 00:01, actors who are SAG-AFTRA members will not be able to take part in projects of companies that have not signed these agreements. Actors can check if their projects are affected through the search option on SAG-AFTRA’s website.

SAG-AFTRA continues negotiations with companies such as Activision Productions, Blindlight, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Games, Llama Productions, Take 2 Productions, VoiceWorks Productions and WB Games. The strike will continue until an Interactive Media Agreement is signed between these companies and SAG-AFTRA. This strike by SAG-AFTRA is an important step in protecting the rights of actors in the video game industry and limiting the use of artificial intelligence. What are you thinking? Please don’t forget to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.