AI Voice Acting: Search Giant's Strike Heats Up Over Rights

The video game industry faces potential upheaval as SAG-AFTRA has authorized a strike against major game developers. This article examines the ongoing dispute over fair labor practices and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in voice acting.

SAG-AFTRA Authorizes Strike Against Video Game Companies

SAG-AFTRA's Announcement

On July 20th, the SAG-AFTRA National Board unanimously voted to authorize a strike against video game companies. This action empowers the union's National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator to call a strike if contract negotiations fail. The strike would affect all work covered by the Interactive Media Agreement (IMA), halting SAG-AFTRA members' participation in affected projects. The central issue is securing robust AI protections for video game performers.

National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland stressed the union's resolute position, stating that the 98%+ vote to authorize a strike reflects their unwavering commitment to securing fair treatment for members whose work is crucial to the success of major video games. He highlighted the urgency of reaching a deal that addresses key concerns, especially AI usage.

Key Issues and Industry Impact

The potential strike stems from concerns over the unregulated use of AI in voice acting and performance capture. Currently, there are no safeguards to prevent the unauthorized replication of actors' voices and likenesses through AI. SAG-AFTRA seeks compensation and clear guidelines for any AI usage of actors' performances, emphasizing that actors should be fairly compensated for their work, not just for initial recordings.

Beyond AI concerns, SAG-AFTRA is pursuing wage increases to offset inflation (11% retroactively and 4% increases in subsequent years), improved on-set safety measures (including mandated rest periods, on-site medics for hazardous work, vocal stress protections, and eliminating stunt requirements in self-taped auditions).

A strike could significantly impact video game development, although the full extent is unclear. Unlike film and television, video game production spans years. While a strike might slow down development phases, the effect on game release dates is uncertain.

Companies Involved and Their Positions

The potential strike involves 10 major companies:

⚫︎ Activision Productions Inc.
⚫︎ Blindlight LLC
⚫︎ Disney Character Voices Inc.
⚫︎ Electronic Arts Productions Inc.
⚫︎ Epic Games, Inc.
⚫︎ Formosa Interactive LLC
⚫︎ Insomniac Games Inc.
⚫︎ Take 2 Productions Inc.
⚫︎ VoiceWorks Productions Inc.
⚫︎ WB Games Inc.

Epic Games has publicly supported SAG-AFTRA's position, with CEO Tim Sweeney stating that game companies shouldn't obtain generative AI training rights from voice recording sessions. Other companies haven't yet released public statements.

Negotiation History and Context

This conflict began in September 2023, when SAG-AFTRA members overwhelmingly authorized a strike before contract negotiations. Negotiations have since stalled, despite an extension of the previous contract (which expired in November 2022).

The current dispute echoes a 2016 strike lasting 340 days, which addressed similar issues such as pay, safety, and residuals. While that strike ended with a compromise, many members felt the agreement fell short.

A January 2024 deal with Replica Studios, an AI voice provider, further fueled tensions, with some viewing it as a compromise of members' interests.

The authorized strike highlights the ongoing fight for fair labor practices in the gaming industry. The outcome will significantly influence the future of AI in performance capture and the treatment of video game performers. Protecting human creativity and ensuring AI serves as a tool, not a replacement, are paramount in this rapidly evolving technological landscape. A swift resolution that addresses the union's concerns is crucial.