Key Takeaways
- Lightspeed L.A. signs SAG-AFTRA agreement, protecting video game actors from AI use.
- The agreement is binding for current and future projects.
- Lightspeed is the first studio to sign, but they might influence more to follow.
As a passionate gamer and a staunch advocate for the rights of artists in the gaming industry, I can’t help but feel a mix of relief and frustration upon hearing about Lightspeed L.A.’s groundbreaking decision to sign SAG-AFTRA’s Interim Interactive Media Agreement.
Lightspeed L.A. Studio, affiliated with Triple AAA, is pioneering the field as the initial studio to adopt the SAG-AFTRA Temporary Interactive Media Contract. This move guarantees that video game performers will not face job insecurity due to advancements in artificial intelligence
On the official SAG-AFTRA site, Lightspeed L.A. shared their unwavering dedication to achieving SAG-AFTRA’s objectives, emphasizing that they’ve always been eager to prioritize the safeguards for performers that form the backbone of this agreement
This agreement applies not just to current ventures, but also to any future productions at the studio. Consequently, the studio is firmly committed to reinforcing its stance against AI technology in the long term
Currently, even with the ongoing labor action, video game actors affiliated with SAG-AFTRA are able to contribute to the development of Lightspeed L.A.’s project, titled Last Sentinel
Interestingly, the story of Last Sentinel takes place in a dystopian society dominated by technology—it appears that constructing a digital tech-ridden nightmare is all Lightspeed L.A. cares about, with no intention of implementing it physically in reality
Established in 2020, Lightspeed L.A. represents the inaugural U.S. branch of the globally recognized Lightspeed studios, which is part of the Tencent group. This innovative studio is particularly renowned for its commitment to creating immersive open-world games that emphasize deep and engaging storylines
Fulfilling SAG-AFTRA’s requirements guarantees job opportunities for numerous actors at fair wages, while minimizing concerns about job loss due to advancements in artificial intelligence
Although there’s some positive news with Lightspeed L.A., it’s just a tiny bright spot amidst a large container filled with disappointments from Triple AAA
But “Video Games Don’t Really Have Acting,” Right?
While every victory must be celebrated, it’s important to remember that industry giants are still against protecting video game actors from AI.
Discussions have taken place between these parties since the SAG-AFTRA strikes commenced in July: Activision, EA, Insomniac, WB Games, and others. Thousands of actors initiated a strike to express their concerns about their “work and likenesses being used by artificial intelligence.”
Even though any job losses due to AI are unfortunate, learning the skills of someone who might eventually replace you can feel like an added injustice.
In the midst of their protests, actors were potentially foregoing substantial earnings. Yet, Amazon Games’ CEO, Christoph Hartmann, asserted with pride that “performance in video games is not essentially akin to traditional acting.”
Following significant backlash due to the CEO’s comment about video game actors being “essential creative contributors”, Amazon Games later made a statement through their representative. However, it’s important to note that despite this labeling, there were no subsequent negotiations with SAG-AFTRA on the matter
Under the terms of the SAG-AFTRA contract, the use of AI isn’t entirely banned; instead, it aims for a balanced approach to prevent mistreatment or exploitation of actors
As the strike continues, the groundbreaking move by Lightspeed L.A. and the praise they’ve garnered may sway some studios to make concessions. However, it’s possible that the financial losses due to the strikes could push them towards a compromise more out of necessity than a genuine desire to improve wages and provide AI protections for actors. This settlement might not necessarily be advantageous for us actors in the long run
For now, there is just one studio, but it has the potential to grow substantially in the future. Meanwhile, amidst a vast ocean of disappointments and games that seem indistinguishable from those made by AI, we can eagerly anticipate one crafted entirely by genuine human creators
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2024-09-06 01:09