AI Voice Acting in Focus as SAG-AFTRA Threatens Another Strike For VA's Rights

The video game industry faces potential upheaval as SAG-AFTRA, the union representing voice actors and performance artists, has authorized a strike against major game developers. This article explores the ongoing dispute over fair labor practices and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in the industry.

SAG-AFTRA Authorizes Strike: A Fight for AI Protections

SAG-AFTRA's Announcement

On July 20th, SAG-AFTRA's National Board unanimously authorized its National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator to call a strike if necessary. This action targets all services under the Interactive Media Agreement (IMA), meaning all SAG-AFTRA members could cease work on affected projects. The central issue is securing crucial protections against the unauthorized use of AI in video game performances.

National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland stated the union's resolve is strong and warned against testing it. He highlighted the overwhelming member support (over 98%) for strike authorization if a satisfactory agreement isn't reached, particularly regarding AI protections. He emphasized the importance of fair compensation for actors whose performances are vital to the success of popular video games.

Key Issues and Industry Impact

The primary concern driving the potential strike is the unregulated use of AI in voice acting and performance capture. Currently, no safeguards prevent the unauthorized replication of actors' likenesses and voices using AI. Actors seek compensation for AI usage of their work, and demand clear guidelines and fair payment for any such use.

Beyond AI, SAG-AFTRA is also pushing for wage increases that account for inflation (11% retroactively and 4% annual increases for the following two years), improved on-set safety measures (including mandated rest periods, on-site medics for hazardous work, vocal stress protections, and eliminating stunt requirements in self-taped auditions).

A strike's impact on video game production is uncertain, but potential disruptions are likely. Unlike film and television, video game development is a lengthy process. While a strike could slow down development, the extent of any delays in game releases remains unclear.

Companies Involved and Their Positions

The potential strike targets ten major companies:

⚫︎ Activision Productions Inc.
⚫︎ Blindlight LLC
⚫︎ Disney Character Voices Inc.
⚫︎ Electronic Arts Productions Inc.
⚫︎ Epic Games, Inc.
⚫︎ Formosa Interactive LLC
⚫︎ Insomniac Games Inc.
⚫︎ Take 2 Productions Inc.
⚫︎ VoiceWorks Productions Inc.
⚫︎ WB Games Inc.

Epic Games has publicly voiced support for SAG-AFTRA's position, with CEO Tim Sweeney tweeting his opposition to game companies obtaining generative AI voice training rights from dialogue recording sessions. Other companies have yet to release official statements.

Negotiation History and Context

This conflict began in September 2023 when SAG-AFTRA sought member authorization for a strike prior to contract negotiations. The vote overwhelmingly favored a strike (98.32%). Negotiations have stalled despite an extension of the previous contract, which expired in November 2022.

The current dispute echoes a 2016 strike lasting 340 days, focusing on base pay, health and safety, and residual payments. While that strike concluded with a compromise, many members felt it fell short of their expectations.

Further complicating matters, a January 2024 deal with Replica Studios, an AI voice provider, drew criticism, perceived by some as a betrayal, fueling internal union tensions over AI's role in performance capture.

The strike authorization represents a critical juncture in the fight for fair labor practices in the gaming industry. The outcome will significantly influence the use of AI in performance capture and the treatment of video game performers. Protecting performers and ensuring AI enhances, not replaces, human creativity is paramount in this rapidly evolving technological landscape. A swift resolution addressing the union's concerns is crucial.