SAG-AFTRA Says It's Still 'Frustratingly Far Apart' From Games Industry Bargaining Group on AI Protections

The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) recently updated its members on the ongoing negotiations regarding AI protections for video game actors. While some progress has been made, significant disagreements remain with the industry bargaining group, leaving negotiations "frustratingly far apart" on key issues.

A comparison chart highlights these discrepancies: SAG-AFTRA seeks comprehensive AI protection covering all past and future work, not just future projects. The definition of "digital replica" is a major sticking point. SAG-AFTRA's definition encompasses any readily identifiable performance (vocal or movement), while the bargaining group's stricter "objectively identifiable" phrasing could exclude many performances. The inclusion of movement performers in the AI agreement is also contested. Further disagreements exist on terminology (SAG-AFTRA prefers "real-time generation," while the bargaining group suggests "procedural generation"), disclosure requirements regarding voice blending and chatbot applications, and the use of digital replicas during strikes. The duration of consent for real-time generation is another point of contention, with SAG-AFTRA proposing five years versus the bargaining group's indefinite consent. Significant differences also remain regarding minimum compensation for digital replica creation and use, although tentative agreement on bonus pay calculations has been reached. The bargaining group's proposed bonus rights mirroring the SAG-AFTRA TV/Film agreement is considered too broad by the guild, potentially undermining union rights. Finally, SAG-AFTRA advocates for a tracking system to ensure fair compensation, which the bargaining group deems infeasible. While tentative agreements exist on bonus pay, dispute resolution, some aspects of minimum compensation, consent requirements, certain disclosures, and more, SAG-AFTRA emphasizes that a comprehensive deal is far from reached. The guild expresses concern that the bargaining employers are misleading members about the proximity of an agreement.

SAG-AFTRA's National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, warned members against undermining the strike by accepting work without adequate AI protections. He highlighted the risk of exploitation and the potential for companies to use actors' performances to replace them without consent or compensation.

In response, Audrey Cooling, spokesperson for the video game industry bargaining group, stated that their proposed deal includes over 15% wage increases, enhanced health and safety protections, industry-leading AI terms, and additional compensation for performance use in other games. They expressed a desire to return to the bargaining table.

The eight-month-long SAG-AFTRA video game strike, stemming from the AI issue, is visibly impacting the industry. Players report unvoiced NPCs in games like Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft. Following alleged strike subversion attempts, League of Legends experienced a SAG-AFTRA strike, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 saw character recasting. Recently, two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors discovered their replacements via patch notes.