After prolonged negotiations over a new contract, Hollywood video game actors have struck against significant companies such as Activision, Warner Bros, and Walt Disney.
The dispute centres on using artificial intelligence (AI) to replicate actors’ voices and likenesses without adequate compensation.
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Sag-Aftra), representing over 2,500 video game performers, has raised concerns that AI could be used to animate video game characters using their digital likenesses without fair remuneration. While the union and studios have agreed on several issues, such as wages and job safety, AI-related protections remain unresolved.
Sag-Aftra has criticized the video game studios for not providing clear and enforceable language in the contract to protect performers from AI exploitation. “We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of our members,” the union said in a statement.
In response, video game studios expressed disappointment over the strike, arguing that their offer included meaningful AI protections, such as requiring consent and fair compensation for performers. “Our offer is directly responsive to Sag-Aftra’s concerns and extends meaningful AI protections,” said Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the studios.
The Interactive Media Agreement, which governs the terms for voiceover and on-camera work in video games, is extended monthly while talks continue. The previous contract expired in November 2022.
The strike follows a historic 118-day strike by TV and film actors last year, resulting in $1 billion in new pay, benefits, and safeguards on AI use. According to entertainment industry estimates, that strike, combined with a writers’ strike, disrupted film and TV production and cost California’s economy over $6.5 billion.
