SAG-AFTRA's Strike Against Video Game Companies: A Fight for AI Protections and Fair Compensation
SAG-AFTRA, the actors' and broadcasters' union, has initiated a strike against major video game companies, including industry giants like Activision and Electronic Arts. This action, effective July 26th, follows over a year of stalled negotiations centered around the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) and fair compensation for performers.
Key Issues Fueling the Strike:
The core dispute revolves around the burgeoning use of AI in video game production. While not inherently opposed to AI technology, SAG-AFTRA expresses deep concern over its potential to replace human actors. Specific anxieties include the unauthorized replication of actors' voices and likenesses, the displacement of actors from smaller roles, and the potential for AI-generated content to contradict an actor's personal values.
Addressing the Challenges: Interim Agreements and Solutions:
In an attempt to navigate the complexities of AI and other industry issues, SAG-AFTRA has developed several agreements. The Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement (I-IMA) offers a flexible framework for smaller-budget projects ($250,000 to $30 million), incorporating AI protections previously rejected by the video game industry's bargaining group. This includes a notable side deal with Replica Studios, enabling union actors to license their voice replicas under controlled conditions.
Further mitigating the impact of the strike, the Interim Interactive Media Agreement and Interim Interactive Localization Agreement address crucial aspects like compensation, AI usage guidelines, working conditions, and health benefits. Importantly, these agreements exclude expansion packs and DLC, allowing for continued work on initial game releases.
The interim agreements specifically cover:
- Right of Rescission; Producer’s Default
- Compensation
- Rate Maximum
- Artificial Intelligence/Digital Modeling
- Rest Periods
- Meal Periods
- Late Payments
- Health & Retirement
- Casting & Auditions - Self Tape
- Overnight Location Consecutive Employment
- Set Medics
A Year and a Half of Negotiations and the Union's Resolve:
Negotiations began in October 2022, culminating in a near-unanimous (98.32%) vote by SAG-AFTRA members to authorize a strike in September 2023. Despite progress on some fronts, the lack of concrete and enforceable AI protections remains the primary obstacle.
SAG-AFTRA leadership, including President Fran Drescher and National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, have firmly stated their commitment to securing fair treatment and robust AI protections for their members. They emphasize the video game industry's substantial profits and the indispensable contributions of SAG-AFTRA actors.
The strike underscores SAG-AFTRA's determination to protect its members' rights and livelihoods in the face of rapidly evolving technology within the video game industry. The outcome will significantly shape the future of AI usage and labor practices in this lucrative sector.
