The SAG-AFTRA union has announced a strike by video game actors against the use of artificial intelligence. This strike could impact upcoming titles such as GTA 6 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
The strike is aimed at studios that are exploring the use of AI to replace real voice actors. The list includes some of the largest companies: publishers Take 2 and Activision, along with developers Insomniac and WB Games. This implies that the strike may affect GTA 6 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, which are in the pipeline.
While voice and motion capture for such projects is often conducted years in advance, there are also games that have yet to be announced. Those could similarly be impacted by the strike.
SAG-AFTRA acknowledges that the companies involved in the strike were willing to reach a compromise on 24 out of 25 demands. However, the final issue that triggered the strike was the use of artificial intelligence. The union insists that protection against AI is a necessary component for attracting actors to video games.
“We will not agree to a contract that allows companies to exploit AI to the detriment of our members. … When these companies are serious about offering a deal that our members can live with and work under, we will be ready to negotiate,” said SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher.
SAG-AFTRA's National Executive Director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland expressed frustration over the failure to reach an agreement. He does not understand the reasons behind the breakdown between the parties, despite the majority of negotiations having gone well.
“Honestly, it’s shocking that these game studios haven’t learned anything from last year—that our members will demand fair treatment regarding AI, and the public supports us in this,” he stated.
The SAG-AFTRA website offers a way to see which games’ actors are on strike, although this may not assist with unannounced titles. Developers and publishers intending to work with SAG actors will need to sign new temporary agreements approved by SAG-AFTRA to ensure protection for the involved actors.
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