The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has updated members on negotiations regarding AI protections for video game performers, acknowledging progress while stating significant gaps remain with industry representatives.
Key Negotiation Sticking Points
The guild provided a comparative chart outlining ongoing disagreements with the video game industry bargaining group, which includes representatives from major AAA studios. Principal unresolved issues include:
- Scope of AI protections: Whether safeguards should apply retroactively or only to future projects
- Definition of "digital replica": Disagreement over identification standards for protected performances
- Inclusion of motion capture artists in AI protections
- Terminology disputes regarding AI-generated performances ("real-time" vs "procedural" generation)
- Disclosure requirements for voice blending and chatbot implementations
- Digital replica usage during strikes (employers want continued usage rights)
- Duration of digital replica consent (union proposes 5-year limits vs industry's unlimited terms)
- Compensation structures for digital replica creation and usage
- Tracking mechanisms for digital replica utilization
While tentative agreements exist regarding bonus pay, dispute resolution, and basic consent requirements, SAG-AFTRA cautioned members that reports of imminent resolution are premature.
Leadership Perspectives
SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland warned members:
"Productions are feeling the strike's impact as performers maintain solidarity. We caution against accepting non-union roles that undermine our collective position and potentially expose performers to AI exploitation."
Video game industry spokesperson Audrey Cooling responded:
"Our proposal includes 15% wage increases, improved safety measures, and leading AI protections. We're committed to productive negotiations and finalizing fair terms."
Industry Impact
The eight-month strike - originally prompted by AI protection disagreements - is now visibly affecting major titles:
- Recent reports indicate voicing gaps in Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft
- Notable recasting occurred in Black Ops 6 and League of Legends projects
- Two Zenless Zone Zero performers confirmed replacement via patch notes
The standoff continues as both sides prepare for further negotiations to resolve these critical performers' rights issues.
