AI Concerns Extend Video Game Acting Strike Amid SAG-AFTRA Negotiations

Concerns Over AI Threaten to Extend Video Game Acting Strike

The Ongoing SAG-AFTRA Strike and AI's Role

Members of SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) have been on strike since July 2024, primarily concerning the use of their work and likeness in video games. Recent developments indicate that new concerns related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) are poised to extend this strike. A message circulated among union members highlights "alarming loopholes" that leave actors vulnerable to AI abuse, as reported by Eurogamer.

Key Concerns of Voice Actors

Yuri Lowenthal, the voice of Spider-Man, articulated the core issues for Variety:

Consent: Ensuring that recorded performances are not used to create new performances without the actor's explicit consent.
Compensation: Actors deserve to be compensated if their data is used to generate AI performances. Without this, their future earning potential is at risk.
Control: Actors need the ability to track and understand how their digital likeness and performances are being used.

These points encapsulate the guild's primary concerns regarding the ethical and financial implications of AI in the gaming industry.

Industry Response and Counter-Proposals

Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the video game producers' party, responded to SAG-AFTRA's concerns by stating that a proposed deal includes significant wage increases (over 15%) for performers, enhanced health and safety protections, and industry-leading terms for the use of AI digital replicas. This proposal also includes additional compensation for using an actor's performance in other games.

As of the article's publication, SAG-AFTRA had not publicly responded to this latest proposal. The strike is expected to continue until an agreement is reached that satisfies the guild's members. SAG has urged non-affiliated members to decline work until video game studios agree to the proposed terms.

Historical Context of Actor Strikes

This is not the first time voice actors have engaged in strike action over career concerns. A previous strike occurred from late 2016 to 2017, focusing on fair compensation. An agreement was eventually reached in September 2017.

Other Gaming News Highlights

The content also includes brief mentions of other gaming news:

PlayStation Plus: Three new games are available for July 4-6, including Diablo 4, a fighting game, and an indie title.
Game Pass: Three new games are available for July 4-6, including Ultimate Chicken Horse, a short-runtime game, and a classic RPG.
Nintendo Switch 2: A review after a month with the console suggests potential buyers might want to wait due to early-adopter caveats.
Romero Games: A canceled title might be revived.
NYT Games: Daily updates for Mini Crossword, Strands, Connections, and Wordle are provided.

About the Author

Patrick Hearn is a Mobile Writer for Digital Trends, focusing on smart home technology. He also covers Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and smart lighting.

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