Video Game Actors’ Strike Ends After Tentative AI Agreement
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After almost a year of industrial action, the Screen Actors Guild-american Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has reached a tentative agreement with video game studios, effectively ending the video game actors’ strike.The strike, which involved over 2,500 performers in the United States, centered on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by game studios, along with issues of compensation and safety.
Key Terms of the Agreement
The agreement includes provisions for transparency, consent, and compensation regarding the use of digital replicas in games, and also wage increases and enhanced health and safety protections.According to SAG-AFTRA’s national executive director,Duncan Crabtree-Ireland,this deal puts in place the necessary AI guardrails that defend performers’ livelihoods in the AI age.
Audrey Cooling, spokesperson for the video game producers, stated that the tentative contract agreement reflects the vital contributions of SAG-AFTRA-represented performers in video games. The agreement delivers historic wage increases of over 24% for performers, enhanced health and safety protections, and industry-leading AI provisions.
Did You Know? The global video game market is projected to reach $340 billion by 2027, according to a report by statista.
Impact on the Video Game Industry
The strike impacted major game makers, including Activision, Blindlight, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Insomniac Games, Take 2, and WB Games. While the strike did not cause critically important delays to games already in progress before September 2023, tensions rose as studios appeared to hire international actors to replace striking US workers.
In the UK, actors protested in solidarity with their American counterparts, and Equity, the UK actors’ union, called for a similar wide-reaching agreement between UK studios and actors. The British Film Institute (BFI) recently released a report detailing the risks posed by AI to the UK screen sector, including video games, describing it as a direct threat.
AI’s Growing role and Concerns
The scripts of more than 130,000 films and TV shows, YouTube videos, and databases of pirated books have been used to train AI models, according to the BFI report. AI poses a particular threat to some video game voice actors, especially those creating animal or monster sound effects, as this type of work is easier for generative AI to replicate.
Pro Tip: For voice actors, diversifying skills and exploring niche areas less susceptible to AI replication can be a strategic career move.
The agreement aims to address these concerns by ensuring transparency and consent when using digital replicas of performers. It also seeks to provide fair compensation for the use of AI in video game production.
Wage Increases and Safety Measures
Beyond AI protections, the tentative agreement includes significant wage increases for video game actors. The over 24% increase aims to reflect the value of their contributions to the industry. enhanced health and safety protections are also part of the deal, addressing concerns about working conditions and potential risks during performance capture sessions.
| Provision | Details |
|---|---|
| AI Guardrails | Transparency, consent, and compensation for the use of digital replicas. |
| Wage Increases | Over 24% increase for performers. |
| Health and Safety | Enhanced protections for actors during performance capture and other work. |
What are your thoughts on the use of AI in the entertainment industry? How do you think this agreement will impact the future of video game acting?
The Evolution of Voice Acting in Video Games
Voice acting has become an integral part of video game development, adding depth and emotion to characters and storylines. The use of voice actors has evolved substantially over the years, from simple dialog to complex performances that require motion capture and emotional range. As technology advances, the role of voice actors continues to evolve, with new challenges and opportunities arising from the integration of AI.
The rise of AI in video game development has sparked debates about the future of voice acting. while AI can automate certain tasks and create realistic voices, many argue that it cannot replicate the unique qualities and emotional depth that human actors bring to their roles. The agreement between SAG-AFTRA and video game studios reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect the rights and livelihoods of performers in the face of technological advancements.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Video Game Actors’ Strike
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