Video game delays likely as voice actors’ union clashes with use of AI

SAG-AFTRA, the largest union for actors in the US, has called for a strike against 10 companies after two years of contract negotiations.

The sticking point seems to be surrounding the use of AI, which threatens the livelihoods of voice actors in the gaming industry.

Rockstar Games

SAG-AFTRA is advising actors to not sign new contracts for GTA 6[/caption]

Voice actors are worried that their voices will be added to an AI library and used in games without their permission.

Many companies reached an agreement in the Interactive Media Agreement renegotiations, but others failed to reach a consensus.

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said: “We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of our members. 

“Enough is enough. When these companies get serious about offering an agreement our members can live — and work — with, we will be here, ready to negotiate.”

The companies that the union is refusing to work with are some of gaming’s biggest, including Activision, Disney, and Take 2.

While many announced games have already finished working with their actors, the strike will likely delay development on games to be released in the future.

National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland made some of the union’s first comments on the upcoming strike last week.

They said: “The video game industry generates billions of dollars in profit annually. 

“The driving force behind that success is the creative people who design and create those games. 

“That includes the SAG-AFTRA members who bring memorable and beloved game characters to life, and they deserve and demand the same fundamental protections as performers in film, television, streaming, and music.

“Fair compensation and the right of informed consent for the AI use of their faces, voices, and bodies. 

“Frankly, it’s stunning that these video game studios haven’t learned anything from the lessons of last year – that our members can and will stand up and demand fair and equitable treatment with respect to AI, and the public supports us in that.”

Here is a list of the 10 companies SAG-AFTRA is striking against, and some of the games they work on for context:

• Activision Productions Inc. – Call of Duty
• Blindlight LLC – Fallout, Starfield
• Disney Character Voices Inc. – Kingdom Hearts
• Electronic Arts Productions Inc. – Dragon Age
• Epic Games, Inc. – Fortnite
• Formosa Interactive LLC – God of War, Horizon
• Insomniac Games Inc. – Marvel’s Spider-Man
• Take 2 Productions Inc. – Grand Theft Auto
• VoiceWorks Productions Inc. – SpongeBob, TMNT
• WB Games Inc. – Hogwarts Legacy

A spokesperson from the video game producers party to the Interactive Media Agreement, Audrey Cooling, reached out to the Sun with a statement.

In response to SAG-AFTRA’s announcement, Cooling said: “We are disappointed the union has chosen to walk away when we are so close to a deal, and we remain prepared to resume negotiations.

“We have already found common ground on 24 out of 25 proposals, including historic wage increases and additional safety provisions.

“Our offer is directly responsive to SAG-AFTRA’s concerns and extends meaningful AI protections that include requiring consent and fair compensation to all performers working under the IMA.

“These terms are among the strongest in the entertainment industry.”

If you want to read more about upcoming games, check out how you can play Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 early.