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 sticking points: SAG-AFTRA seeks comprehensive AI protection covering all past and future work, not just future projects. The definition of "digital replica" is also contentious. SAG-AFTRA's proposed definition encompasses any readily identifiable performance, vocal or movement-based, linked to a performer through contracts. The bargaining group prefers "objectively identifiable," a term SAG-AFTRA believes is too restrictive. Further disagreements exist regarding the inclusion of movement performers in the agreement, the appropriate terminology for AI-generated performances ("real-time generation" versus "procedural generation"), and crucial disclosures about voice blending and chatbot applications. Crucially, SAG-AFTRA's proposal withdraws consent for digital replica use during strikes, a condition the bargaining group opposes. The duration of consent for real-time generation is also disputed, with SAG-AFTRA proposing five years versus the bargaining group's request for unlimited consent. Finally, significant discrepancies remain concerning minimum compensation for digital replica creation and use, although tentative agreement on bonus pay calculations has been reached. The bargaining group's proposal mirroring the SAG-AFTRA TV/Film agreement regarding bonus rights is deemed too broad by SAG-AFTRA, potentially undermining union rights. Implementation of a system to track digital replica usage and ensure appropriate compensation is also a point of contention. The bargaining group questions its feasibility. Specific definitions regarding "synthetic" performers and their regulation are also unresolved.
Despite these unresolved issues, tentative agreements have been reached on bonus pay, dispute resolution, some aspects of minimum compensation, consent requirements, certain performer disclosures, and more. However, SAG-AFTRA expresses concern that the bargaining employers are misrepresenting the progress, suggesting a deal is imminent when, in their view, it is not.
SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland warned members that employers, facing pressure from the eight-month-long strike, are attempting to circumvent the strike by seeking alternative performers lacking AI protections. He urged members to resist such offers, emphasizing the risks of working without adequate safeguards against AI misuse.
In response, Audrey Cooling, spokesperson for the video game industry bargaining group, stated that their proposal includes over 15% wage increases for SAG-AFTRA members, enhanced health and safety protections, and industry-leading AI terms. They expressed their desire to return to the bargaining table to reach an agreement.
The SAG-AFTRA video game strike, initiated due to the lack of AI agreement (despite agreement on 24 of 25 other contract proposals), is visibly impacting the industry. Players have reported unvoiced NPCs in games like Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft. Following alleged strike subversion attempts by Riot Games, League of Legends was also affected. Activision confirmed voice recasting in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and recently, two Zenless Zone Zero voice actors discovered their replacements via patch notes.
