Video game delays likely as voice actors union clashes over use of AI

SAG-AFTRA, the largest actors union in the US, has called a strike against 10 companies after two years of contract negotiations.

The sticking point appears to be around the use of AI, which threatens the livelihood of voice actors in the gaming industry.

Voice actors are worried that their voices will be added to an AI library and used in games without their permission.

Many companies reached an agreement in the renegotiations of the Interactive Media Agreement, but others were unable to reach a consensus.

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said, “We will not consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of our members.

“Enough is enough. When these companies get serious about offering a deal our members can live with – and work with – we will be here, ready to negotiate.”

The companies the union refuses to work with are some of the biggest in the gaming industry, including Activision, Disney and Take 2.

Although many announced games have already finished work on their actors, the strike will likely delay the development of games to be released in the future.

National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland made some of the union’s first comments on the upcoming strike last week.

They said: “The video game industry generates billions of dollars in profits annually.

“The driving force behind this success is the creative people who design and create these games.

“This includes SAG-AFTRA members who bring memorable and beloved game characters to life and who deserve and demand the same fundamental protections as film, television, streaming and music artists.

“Fair compensation and the right to informed consent for AI’s use of their faces, voices and bodies.

“Frankly, it’s stunning that these video game studios have learned nothing from the lessons of the past year – that our members can and will stand up for themselves and demand fair and equitable treatment when it comes to AI, and the public supports them. us in this.”

Here’s a list of the 10 companies SAG-AFTRA is attacking and some of the games they work on for context:

• Activision Productions Inc. – Call to action
• Blind Light LLC – Fallout, Starfield
• Disney Inc. character voices. – Hearts of the Kingdom
• Electronic Arts Productions Inc. – Dragon Age
• Epic Games, Inc. –Fortnite
• Formosa Interactive LLC – God of War, Horizon
• Insomniac Games Inc. – Marvel’s Spider-Man
• Get 2 Productions Inc. – Grand Theft Auto
• VoiceWorks Productions Inc. – SpongeBob, TMNT
• WB Games Inc. – Hogwarts Legacy

A spokeswoman for video game producers participating in the Interactive Media Agreement, Audrey Cooling, reached out to Sun with a statement.

In response to SAG-AFTRA’s announcement, Cooling said: “We are disappointed that the union has chosen to walk away when we are so close to an agreement and remain prepared to resume negotiations.

“We have already found common ground on 24 of the 25 proposals, including historic pay increases and additional security provisions.

“Our offer directly responds to SAG-AFTRA’s concerns and extends meaningful AI protections that include requiring consent and fair compensation to all artists working under the IMA.

“These terms are among the strongest in the entertainment industry.”

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