Video Game Actors End Strike After Almost a Year

The video game actors in the USA have ended their strike after nearly a year of industrial action against the use of artificial intelligence in game studios. Over 2,500 US actors were barred from working on games affected by the strike, while the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) negotiated a contract with studios.

Background of the Strike

After more than 11 months of discussion, a "provisional" agreement has now been reached. The strike affected big players such as Activision, Blindlight, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Formosa, Insomniac Games, Take 2, and WB Games. Other studios were also impacted as actors took industrial action in solidarity.

Terms of the Agreement

The agreement provides for historical wage increases of over 24% for artists, improved health and safety protection, and industry-leading AI regulations. These regulations require transparency, consent, and remuneration for the use of digital replicates in games. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, National Executive Director of SAG-AFTRA, stated that "patience and endurance have led to a deal that integrates the necessary provisions to protect the livelihood of actors in the AI age, among other important gains."

Impact on the Industry

In Great Britain, actors protested in solidarity with their American colleagues, with Equity, the British actors’ union, demanding a similar far-reaching agreement between British studios and actors. A report by the British Film Institute (BFI) described AI as a "direct threat" to the British screen sector, including video games. The report highlighted the risks of AI, including the use of pirated scripts to train AI models.

Threats Posed by AI

According to an expert, AI represents a particular threat to some video game voice actors, especially those who create animal or monster sound effects. These sounds are easier for generative AI to replace, making these actors more vulnerable to job loss. In contrast to the strike of SAG-AFTRA actors in 2023, which delayed blockbusters and canceled TV series, major delays were unlikely this time, as games take years to develop and every game already in development before September 2023 was freed from the strike.

Conclusion

The end of the strike brings relief to the video game industry, but the issue of AI remains a pressing concern. The agreement reached between SAG-AFTRA and the studios provides important protections for actors, but the industry must continue to navigate the challenges posed by AI. As the use of AI in game development continues to grow, the industry must find ways to balance the benefits of new technology with the need to protect the livelihoods of actors and other creative professionals.