SAG-AFTRA Strike Continues as New Proposal Fails to Satisfy Union’s AI Concerns

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Summary

  • The SAG-AFTRA actors’ strike will continue after a new proposal failed to satisfy the union’s concerns about the use of generative AI in video games.
  • Video game producers want to use past voice performances to train AI without permission or compensation for the actors involved.

The ongoing Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strike persists, as a fresh proposal fell short in addressing the union’s apprehensions about incorporating generative AI within video games. After 18 months of discussions with prominent game publishers such as Activision and EA regarding matters like wage increases and employment stability amidst the rise of generative AI and its potential to supplant human artists, the union decided to strike last July.

Previously, SAG-AFTRA took steps to challenge major video game publishers in September 2023, following its alliance with the Writers Guild of America in their demonstrations against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers in June. In January, SAG-AFTRA entered into an agreement with AI company Replica Studios to create artificial replicas of famous actor voices, leading to strong opposition from those worried about potential misuse of this technology. The debate eventually culminated in SAG-AFTRA announcing a strike against the publishers in July, after national executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland forecasted that it was imminent several months prior.

It appears that the SAG-AFTRA strike, which has been ongoing, shows no signs of ending soon as the union has turned down a recent offer from the publishers. This proposal, according to Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s chief negotiator, and Sarah Elmaleh, chair of the Interactive Media Negotiating Committee, was filled with concerning loopholes that could expose guild members to potential misuse by AI. SAG-AFTRA has reportedly made a counterproposal aimed at closing these loopholes. One of the representatives stated, “The negotiating team wants you to believe we are near a deal, but this is not accurate. They are also hoping that our members will turn against each other.

SAG-AFTRA Strike Will Continue

Video game creators, as per Crabtree-Ireland and Elmaleh, are accused of using old voice recordings, even ones made outside the scope of a contract, without asking for or giving permission or compensation to the original performers. Additionally, it’s alleged that they want to use AI versions of actors who may go on strike, and have the right to keep these actors in the dark about how their voices are being utilized. The employees are also said to be looking for other performers they can leverage to take over those roles.

As a dedicated supporter, I’m compelled to clarify that contrary to what the negotiating party suggests, we’re not on the brink of a deal just yet. It appears they’re holding onto false hopes that our unity might fracture among us.

As a devoted supporter, I’m thrilled to share that SAG-AFTRA is temporarily collaborating with over 160 game producers, aiming to instill protections they desire throughout the gaming industry. Recently, SAG-AFTRA actors, such as Yuri Lowenthal from Marvel’s Spider-Man, conducted a picket outside WB Games in Los Angeles. The next protest is set for March 18 at Disney Character Voices in Burbank, California. I’m standing with them, hoping for a positive change in the gaming world!

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2025-03-12 18:44