Video Game Performer Strike: Negotiations Stalled Over AI Use
Since July 26, 2024, video game performers have been on strike, with negotiations at a standstill, as per the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and Interactive Media Negotiating Committee chair Sarah Elmaleh recently informed members about the ongoing bargaining challenges. The main issue revolves around the use of artificial intelligence and “digital replicas” of video game actors.
According to Crabtree-Ireland and Elmaleh, there is a push to utilize all past performances and any external sourced performances without providing adequate protections outlined in the negotiations. This includes a lack of notification regarding the use of replicas, absence of payment offers, and the inability for actors to intervene. Furthermore, there is a demand to ensure that replicas can still be utilized during a potential future strike, even without the actor’s approval, and a refusal to disclose the actual usage of the replicas.
Under the strike regulations, video game performers can continue working on projects that were in production before August 25, 2024. This means that ongoing games like Zenless Zone Zero and Apex Legends are exempt from the strike. However, specific companies such as Riot Games’ League of Legends have been directly impacted due to allegations of misconduct by the company responsible for hiring voice actors, Formosa Interactive. Formosa Interactive is part of a group of companies negotiating with SAG-AFTRA, including Epic Games, Electronic Arts, and others.
Even non-union voice actors have chosen to support the strike, refusing to work on projects not covered by SAG-AFRA’s interim agreement. This led to replacements of certain voice actors in games like Zenless Zone Zero. A voice actor named Emeri Chase, who portrayed Soldier 11, shared on BlueSky that they were replaced due to their refusal to work on non-union projects. Nicholas Thurkettle, known for voicing Lycaon, made a personal choice to stand in solidarity and was subsequently replaced as well.
The impacts of the strike are evident in games such as Zenless Zone Zero and Destiny 2, where voice actors have been replaced or roles left unvoiced due to the ongoing labor dispute. Additionally, the growing use of AI in video games has raised concerns among voice actors in the industry, as they seek protections against the potential replacement of human actors with AI-generated voices.
Concerns Over AI Use and Digital Replicas
SAG-AFTRA has outlined key concerns related to the use of AI in video games, particularly in the creation of “digital replicas” of actors. The union aims to establish clear guidelines to differentiate between actual performances and digital replicas, ensuring that actors retain control over their likeness and receive fair compensation. Transparency, consent, and usage rules are at the forefront of the negotiations to safeguard the interests of video game performers.
As the strike persists, the impact on upcoming video game titles and the industry at large is expected to escalate. With examples of companies experimenting with AI-powered voice technology, such as Sony Interactive Entertainment, the debate over the future implementation of AI in gaming and its implications for voice actors continues to intensify.
Polygon has attempted to reach out to the group of companies involved in negotiations with SAG-AFTRA for their comments on the ongoing situation.