Performer’s Union SAG-AFTRA Reaches Deal With Replica Studios for Use of AI-Generated Voices in Games
Yesterday, performer’s union SAG-AFTRA announced a deal with AI voice studio Replica Studios that would allow game developers to use AI-generated voices on union projects. The announcement was met with outcry from many of the industry’s most prolific voice actors, who claim they were blindsided by the agreement.
Details of the Agreement Revealed
Today, the union and Replica have both revealed more details about the agreement, including releasing the full text of the contract itself, complete with compensation requirements and details around consent and protections required for using AI voices.
Clarity on the Approval Process
The union clarifies that the deal was approved by the union’s Interactive Media Negotiating Committee, which had been “years in the making.” It notes that this kind of contract can be approved by the executive committee and was not required to be sent out to members for a referendum since it “only sets terms for a single company.” SAG-AFTRA also explains that this deal is separate from the Interactive Media Agreement currently being negotiated with major players in the games industry.
Opinions on AI Vary
SAG-AFTRA acknowledges that the decision won’t be popular with all its members, noting that “member viewpoints on AI vary greatly, from those who would like to ban it to those who are excited about the opportunities it presents.” The union’s approach to AI is to get in early on the emerging technology, establishing ethical practices before its use becomes widespread in the industry.
Details of the Agreement
The agreement has two parts–a development contract that governs the recording and creation of an AI voice (called a “digital replica” in the contract), and a contract that covers licensing and use of said digital replicas to develop a game.
Compensation for Voice Actors
Voice actors will be paid a standard union fee for the initial recording session to create a digital replica, and further compensation if they wish to allow Replica Studio to continue to use the replica after a certain time frame. Actors can also negotiate compensation for a replica to be created from previously recorded material, with the minimum payment equal to a standard recording session–this also covers deceased performers, if an agreement can be reached with their estate.
Use in Games and Protections for Actors
Actors can license their digital replica to be used in games, with payment calculated per every 300 lines of dialogue or 3000 words. The contract also includes protections for actors who are licensing their replicas, allowing them to stipulate certain content restrictions and setting strict time limits on all use of digital replicas. The agreement also specifies limitations, such as use only in video games and linear scripted content.
Experimental Agreement
SAG-AFTRA has called the agreement with Replica as “experimental,” with a limited one-year term that will serve as a kind of test run for AI in games. The union is currently negotiating on similar deals with other companies.
Resource for More Information
You can check out the full text of the contract on the SAG-AFTRA and Replica Studios websites for more details on the agreement, including a summary of the terms targeted to voice actors and studios considering the use of digital replicas for development.