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

The gaming industry faces potential upheaval as SAG-AFTRA has authorized a strike against major video game companies. This article explores the ongoing fight for fair labor practices and ethical AI usage.

SAG-AFTRA Authorizes Strike Against Video Game Companies

SAG-AFTRA's Press Release

On July 20th, the SAG-AFTRA National Board unanimously empowered its National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator to call a strike if necessary. This strike would encompass all services under the Interactive Media Agreement (IMA), halting work on all affected projects. The central issue is securing crucial AI protections for video game performers.

National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland stated, "Our resolve is unwavering. Our membership overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike unless employers offer a deal including critical provisions, especially regarding AI. We stand firmly with our members whose performances are vital to the world's most popular video games. Time is running out for a deal."

The Issues and Industry Impact

The potential strike stems from the unregulated use of AI in voice acting and performance capture. Currently, no safeguards protect actors from AI replication. Many actors prefer compensation for their actual performances, not AI replication of their likeness. Even with consent, clear guidelines and fair compensation are essential.

SAG-AFTRA also seeks wage increases to match inflation (11% retroactive, plus 4% increases in years two and three), 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 could disrupt video game production, although the extent is uncertain. Unlike film and TV, video game development is lengthy. While a strike might slow development, significant release delays are unclear.

Companies Involved and Their Stances

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 publicly supports SAG-AFTRA's position. CEO Tim Sweeney tweeted, "Epic supports the Screen Actors Guild’s view that game companies shouldn’t receive generative AI voice training rights on dialog recording sessions." Other companies haven't yet issued statements.

Negotiation History

This conflict began in September 2023, with SAG-AFTRA seeking strike authorization before contract negotiations. The vote overwhelmingly favored a strike (98.32%). Negotiations have stalled, despite extending the previous contract (expired November 2022).

A 2016 strike against 11 studios over pay, safety, and residuals lasted 340 days, ending with a compromise that left many dissatisfied.

In January 2024, SAG-AFTRA faced criticism for a deal with Replica Studios, an AI voice provider, allowing members to license voices to AI. This was seen by many as a betrayal, increasing internal tensions.

SAG-AFTRA's strike authorization is a crucial moment in the fight for fair labor practices in gaming. The outcome will significantly impact AI use in performance capture and the treatment of video game performers. Protecting individuals and ensuring AI enhances, not replaces, human creativity is paramount. The potential strike highlights the urgent need for a resolution addressing the union's concerns.