SAG-AFTRA Strikes Over AI Protections Against Major Video Game Companies

SAG-AFTRA's Strike Against Video Game Giants: A Fight for AI Protections and Fair Compensation

SAG-AFTRA, the actors' and media professionals' union, launched a strike against major video game companies on July 26th, 2024, following protracted negotiations. This action targets prominent companies including Activision, Electronic Arts, and others, primarily due to concerns surrounding the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) and fair compensation for performers.

Key Issues Fueling the Strike:

The core dispute centers on the unregulated use of AI in video game production. While not inherently opposed to AI technology, SAG-AFTRA members express deep concern about 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:

In response to the ongoing negotiations and the complexities of AI integration, SAG-AFTRA has introduced several agreements designed to provide temporary solutions and protect its members. These include:

• Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement (I-IMA): This framework, established in February 2024, caters to indie and lower-budget projects, offering tiered rates and terms based on production budget (ranging from $250,000 to $30 million). Crucially, it incorporates AI protections previously rejected by the video game industry bargaining group.

• Interim Agreements (Interactive Media and Localization): These agreements offer temporary solutions covering various aspects of performer rights, including compensation, AI usage, rest periods, and payment terms. Importantly, projects approved under these interim agreements are exempt from the strike.

A detailed list of covered aspects includes: 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. These agreements do not, however, extend to expansion packs or DLC released after the initial game launch.

Negotiation Timeline and Union Resolve:

Negotiations began in October 2022. SAG-AFTRA members overwhelmingly voted (98.32%) to authorize a strike on September 24, 2023. While progress was made on some issues, the lack of robust and enforceable AI protections remains the primary obstacle.

SAG-AFTRA leadership has consistently emphasized the union's commitment to fair treatment and the need for strong AI protections. They highlight the significant profits of the video game industry and the vital contributions of its members.

The strike underscores the union's determination to secure fair compensation and ethical AI practices within the video game industry, ensuring that its members' rights are protected in this evolving technological landscape.