Video Game Voice and Performance Actors Are Going On Strike Over AI In Game Development

Video Game Voice and Performance Actors Are Going On Strike Over AI In Game Development

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I’ve witnessed the evolution of video games from simple pixelated adventures to immersive, cinematic experiences. The art and craft of voice acting have always been an integral part of bringing these virtual worlds to life, and the passion and dedication of actors have added depth and emotion to our favorite characters.


Actors who provide voices and performances for video games are planning a strike through SAG-AFTRA due to the increasing usage of artificial intelligence in game production, the union has revealed.

Starting from 12:01 AM on July 26, members of the union will go on strike under the Interactive Media Agreement (IMA) following over 18 months of unsuccessful negotiations between the union and game studios. The authorization for a strike was granted to the union national director only on July 22.

The main issue causing the ongoing negotiations to result in a strike is the lack of protection for voice over and performance actors regarding AI use. Actors’ representatives argue that gaming companies are unwilling to safeguard their actors from potential AI-related exploitation.

SAG-AFTRA’s president, Fran Drescher, declared through a statement, “We won’t agree to contracts that let companies misuse AI at the expense of our members. It’s time for a change. Once these companies present an acceptable agreement for our members to thrive under, we will be prepared to discuss terms.”

“Duncan Crabtree-Irish, SAG-AFTRA’s National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, expressed his amazement: ‘It’s hard to believe that video game studios haven’t taken last year’s lessons to heart. Our union members aren’t afraid to advocate for fair AI treatment, and the public backs us up on this.'”

Following SAG-AFTRA’s request for a work stoppage, Audrey Cooling, representative for the video game industry in the Interactive Media Association (IMA) negotiations, conveyed this statement to TopMob on behalf of the producers.

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2024-07-25 23:17