SAG-AFTRA and Video Game Companies Resume Negotiations Amid AI Concerns

SAG-AFTRA and video game companies are set to resume negotiations on October 23, focusing on AI-related issues in voice acting. The strike, ongoing since July, highlights the growing impact of AI in the entertainment industry.

SAG-AFTRA Strike Against Video Game Companies

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and video game companies are set to resume negotiations on October 23, 2023, more than two months into a strike that began on July 25 12. This work stoppage, primarily centered around the use of artificial intelligence in voice acting, has brought attention to the growing impact of AI in the entertainment industry.

Key Players and Background

The strike involves major players in the video game industry, including Activision Productions Inc., Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Insomniac Games Inc., and WB Games Inc., among others 1. The union's Interactive Media Agreement, which governs these relationships, expired in November 2022, with the last in-person negotiations reportedly taking place around that time 1.

AI at the Center of the Dispute

The core issue driving the strike is the use of AI in voice acting for video games. SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher stated, "We're not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of our members. Enough is enough" 1. This stance highlights the union's concern about protecting voice actors' rights and livelihoods in an increasingly AI-driven industry.

Negotiation Progress and Challenges

Prior to the strike, the parties had reportedly reached an agreement on 24 out of 25 proposals, covering wages, safety, and other issues 1. However, the AI-related provisions proved to be a significant sticking point, leading to the current impasse. The companies expressed disappointment that the union "walked away" despite progress on other fronts 1.

Ongoing Actions and Industry Impact

Since the strike began, SAG-AFTRA has been conducting rolling protests in front of the offices of signatory companies, including Disney Character Voices and Electronic Arts 1. The union has also scheduled a picket in front of Warner Bros. Games offices in Burbank 1. These actions underscore the seriousness of the dispute and its potential impact on the video game industry.

Broader Context in the Entertainment Industry

This strike occurs against the backdrop of recent labor actions in Hollywood, including SAG-AFTRA's historic 118-day strike against film and television companies 1. The focus on AI in the video game dispute reflects a growing concern across various entertainment sectors about the role of artificial intelligence in creative industries.

Looking Forward

As negotiations resume, both parties will need to navigate the complex intersection of technological advancement and labor rights. The outcome of these talks could set important precedents for how AI is used and regulated in voice acting and potentially other areas of the entertainment industry. The industry and labor observers will be watching closely as these discussions unfold, given their potential to shape the future of work in an AI-influenced creative landscape.